There was a poignant note to the celebrations at McDiarmid Park last night as Mark Burchill paid tribute to the part played in Livingston's first trophy win in 11 years by young Darren Cole, who was simply superb in defence against Alloa, mere days after the tragic death of his cousin, Shaun Cole.

 

His participation in yesterday's Petrofac Training Cup final was in doubt throughout the week, with Burchill reflecting that Shaun was "like a brother" to Darren prior to his untimely death in Miami.

The decision of whether he would feature was left entirely in the hands of the 23-year-old, with Cole ultimately choosing to take part. His performance, in the circumstances, was dazzling, as he cut a physically imposing figure in the back-line and showed a fine range of passing.

Burchill was moved to laud Cole's courageous display in the aftermath of Livi's first trophy win since lifting the League Cup in 2004 and believes Shaun would have wanted his cousin to play.

"It has been a really difficult week for Darren and we weren't sure if he was going to play," acknowledged Burchill. "He showed real character and wanted to do it - I think Shaun would have wanted him to play.

"His performance was different class. Darren and Shaun were closer than cousins, they were like brothers. I would imagine he would have been at the game to watch him.

"I spoke to him all week about it and I left it up to him - I put no pressure on him whatsoever. I told him if he was mentally ready to play then 'on you go' and if he wasn't 100 per cent then not to play. But he felt he was right."

The moment of remembrance for Shaun was typical of Burchill who, even after claiming his first piece of silverware as a manager, showed no sign of being swept away by euphoria.

Despite ending a nine-game winless streak with a handsome 4-0 win, secured thanks to goals from Scott Pittman, Callum Fordyce and a Jordan White brace, Burchill was determined to get back to business.

Livingston, who still have aspirations to bridge the six-point gap between themselves and Alloa at the foot of the Championship, face Falkirk in midweek - ensuring celebrations last night were rather muted.

"The players are not allowed to celebrate...they can maybe celebrate in my living room but that's it," he smiled, half-joking.

"They are in for training on Monday morning so I will be looking out for them! I am delighted with the win but once it went 3-0, I forgot about the game and was thinking about the Falkirk game on Wednesday.

"Everyone will probably think I am sour-faced git, but I have never been a big celebrator. I am delighted for my friends, family, players and the backroom staff."

The excellent Myles Hippolyte was integral in the arrival of the opening goal after 21 minutes. He surged past a powder-puff challenge from Michael Doyle and unselfishly fed the ball across the face of goal, where Pittman was on hand to sweep the ball into the net.

Parity should have been restored as the interval approached when Cawley delivered a super in-swinging cross for Ryan McCord, however the diminutive midfielder - one of the goal-scoring heroes of December's semi-final win over Rangers - headed over the bar from point-blank range.

Livi skipper Jason Talbot was on hand to create the decisive goal, whipping in a fine corner-kick which was woefully dealt with by the Alloa back-line, allowing Fordyce to double their lead form close-range.

"I couldn't believe my shot went in the net. I just hit it as hard as I could and it was an incredible feeling," beamed Fordyce.

"As a local boy, this is massive and it's good for the community. Hopefully everyone can get behind us again."

A sharp half-volley from Kevin Cawley was pawed onto the woodwork by Livi keeper Darren Jamieson before Wasps keeper Ben Gordon rose highest to meet the resulting corner-kick - only for his header to suffer the same fate.

A ferocious shot from distance by Michael Chopra's replacement, Isaac Layne, which struck the cross-bar, represented Alloa's final chance to prompt a late resurgence.

And gloss was applied to the score-line when substitute White turned a fine Gary Glen cross in from six yards, before scoring his 11th of the season by heading home a Talbot delivery.

Defeated boss Paddy Connolly rued: "We need to dust ourselves off, but we have the lads that will be able to do that."