IT’S uncertain if Stevie Lawless believes in fate but his unwanted departure from Partick Thistle has proved to be a godsend.

While his former club struggles in the Ladbrokes Championship, Lawless has helped his new one to the intoxicating position of third in the Premiership.

Lawless has revealed that he was willing to endure a reduction in salary to remain in Maryhill, where he had been a highly popular player, to try to play his part in Thistle’s aim of an immediate return to the top flight.

He was not given the chance and in turn signed for the club that replaced Partick by virtue of their highly impressive play-off victory – and he is thriving.

Lawless said: “A lot of boys at Thistle had to take wage cuts. I had a chat with Alan Archibald after the final game of last season and I thought it was going to happen but I don’t think he thought I’d be willing to do it.

“But that offer wasn’t there. It was a club close to my heart and I didn’t expect to be let go but it’s football and you move on.”

Move on he has – and then some. His stunning strike on Saturday, a swerving left-foot volley just three minutes in, made it three wins in a row for new Livingston manager Gary Holt.

He said: “It’s a big thing losing a manager but you can see the character in the squad to go on this run. Kenny Miller left after the second game and it shows the confidence the boys have in their ability.

“We couldn’t have imagined a better start with just one defeat against Celtic on the opening day so it’s a good foundation to build on.

“It’s early doors but we need to ride it out and hopefully maintain it. We have two massive games coming up and it will be very tough but you want to play in them.

“We’ve had a good start and our season won’t be judged on games against Hearts and Rangers and we’ve got a free shot at them after the start we’ve had.”

Hamilton deserved nothing from Saturday’s encounter and new signing Delphin Tshiembe’s assessment was damning.

He said: “Livingston wanted it more than us in the first half. You could see they had their game plan, putting it up to the big strikers and we weren’t ready for that.”