Jason Talbot hoping to avenge harrowing loss at Falkirk

LIVINGSTON left back Jason Talbot reckons Bobby Barr’s screamer at Hamilton last week had been coming for some time – and the defender hopes the Lions will build on last week’s win to grab a third straight league victory against Falkirk on Monday.

Barr’s spectacular effort on 70 minutes at New Douglas Park on Boxing Day was enough to see Gary Bollan’s men secure a 1-0 win. It followed a similar result against Raith Rovers just before Christmas, and Talbot insists the Lions are looking to keep up their winning form in 2012.

He said: “Last week was a good win for the players and the management staff, and I thought we applied ourselves in the conditions very well to come out as the better side. There were a few scares towards the end, but I guess that’s inevitable when you’re only a goal up.

“It was a good hit from Bobby for the goal, and a goal like that’s been a long time coming with him out on the left. He’s got a great strike on him and he’s quick off the mark, so he’s always dangerous cutting in from out wide.”

Talbot was part of a Livi backline that held out throughout the game despite trying conditions – particularly in the first half where the visitors were playing into the gale – and he was happy with how the team coped under pressure.

He added: “The conditions were the same for both sides. We maybe panicked a wee bit in the final ten minutes when they were pushing for a goal, but generally I thought we dealt with the wind well. Especially in the first half, with the wind into you it’s always going to hold the ball up.”

With the visit of Steven Pressley’s in form Falkirk side on Monday, Livi will look to get their first win of the season over the Bairns, after coming so close in a dramatic 4-3 defeat at the Falkirk Stadium in November.

Talbot is well aware of the challenge the home side face.

He said: “We’ve had good results away from home in the last few weeks but Falkirk have been in good form of late as well, so hopefully it’ll be good game both the fans and the teams. We’re hoping to go out and produce another good win and another three points.

“I always quite enjoy this time of year in football. Fans are often off work and in good spirits, and usually turn out well, and you can get some great games. Hopefully we’ll have another one on Monday, and get the win.”