Ayo Obileye fired Livingston into the last-16 of the Scottish Cup as the defender netted the game’s only goal against Ross County.
His 16th minute spot-kick was the difference between the two sides, but the centre-back says he was more pleased with a clean sheet than his match-winning strike.
The former Queen of the South man has formed a brilliant partnership in the heart of Livi’s defence alongside Jack Fitzwater with the Lions having conceded just four goals in their last seven games.
That, Obileye says, means more to him than banging the goals in at the other end of the park.
He commented: “It’s not about goals for me, it’s about the clean sheet.
“We defended outstandingly. We want to keep building on that and I thought the boys played excellently.
“We knew County are a big physical side and they will put long balls into the box. We knew they’d put us under pressure and the boys did brilliantly under that.
“We work hard in training, off the pitch and in the gym to do these things, to be stronger and better prepared. We want to work hard for each other, for Max in goals, and the less goals we concede, the more games we will win.”
Obileye stepped up to mark after Bruce Anderson had been clumsily bundled over by Declan Drysdale. Few doubted the ball was going to hit the back of the net - and with good reason - as he’s never missed from the spot during his career.
The 27-year-old said: “I have scored every one. It’s maybe ten now. But it’s about the clean sheets, really. I am a defender and I am not bothered about scoring.
“I scored a few at Queens, and a few at the team before that, and the team before that. It’s something I am comfortable with.”
The weekend also offered the Livi faithful their first glimpse of Joel Nouble following his return from Arbroath. while Caleb Chukwuemeka made his first start for the club but has hooked at half-time.
Obileye predicts bright times ahead for the duo, though, saying: “When we get them firing, we’ll see a different side to them and we’ll be even more of a threat.
“Joel has great physical presence, great feet and great strength. Caleb coming in from Aston Villa is tall, quick, strong and has unbelievable feet.
“We’ve got Morgan Boyes as well from Liverpool and he’s got great qualities. I feel like they’re all big additions to the team.”
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
