‘Livingston capable of surviving despite being winless since August’

“Do I feel our points reflect performances? I don’t. I think we should be sitting with more but we’re not.

“We’ve got to look at the group. I’m the leader of that group so I’ve got to take the blame. I do feel I’ve underperformed in terms of the points return in comparison to performances but I can’t keep saying that.”

Martindale won’t disclose the identities of the two new players already signed and ready to help come the turn of the year, when the transfer window officially opens.

What is clear is, after a game in which Livingston were competitive but St Mirren made more chances, is that extra competition for places up front is key.

Despite their poor run of form, they’re not yet cut adrift, having played a game fewer than Kilmarnock and Dundee, who are just three and four points better off.

“We’re going to need reinforcements,” Martindale added. “There’s two in the building already but we’re going to have to go out and get more to try and make sure we stay in the league, which I think we’re capable of doing.”

“Those two are there but there’s probably going to be another three or four. It’s not always easy in January. You’ve got to bring in players that are going to have an impact now, that have not got that adaptation period. That’s the difficult part.”

Martindale’s message is clear: he’s confident his side, with a fresh injection of talent, can still survive the drop. But time is starting to run out. And fast.