Schenai Gamrot came to the rescue as 10-player Livingston were held to a 1-1 draw at the Home of the Set Fare Arena. Gamrot’s penalty save from Kim Dick ensured the teams remained level, with Kaitlyn Canavan opening the scoring.

An injury to Elise Macara led to the return of Summer Laird to the starting XI, with Jen Dodds, Chloe Kean and Rachel Pirie returning to the matchday squad.

Livi started the game brightly, maintaining possession well and taking good care of the ball until the right opportunity. The positivity was rewarded in the 5th minute, with Kaitlyn Canavan meeting a Rachel Walkingshaw corner to head home. The forward’s second goal in two games breathed confidence into the Livingston side.

Livi continued to control the game but were unable to break Ayr down to create more clear cut chances on goal. With this, Ayr stepped into the game, with Jodie Barbour missing from close range where she should have done better.

Ayr did peg the Lionesses back in the 34th minute, with Clare Docherty latching onto a through ball and finishing well from a one on one position.

Momentum changed before half time with Livingston going down to 10 players. A silly yellow card for kicking the ball away see Lily Park sent off for a cynical grab five minutes from half time.

Things looked to get worse for Livi as Ayr were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half time. However, Schenai Gamrot stood tall in goal and saved Kim Dick’s penalty, with the defender then blazing the rebound wide. The save was a lifeline for Livi as the score remained level at half time.

A change in shape saw Livi revert to a back 5, with Summer Laird coming off injured, as well as Mya Goodman did in the first half. It was the away side who had the best chances of the second half, though, but were unable to capitalise.

Ayr will bemoan a great chance where they had a 3 on 1 situation entering the Livingston half, but goalscorer Docherty bizarrely attempted a long shot from 50 yards which fell easily into the hands of Gamrot.

Briony Morgan made a positive impact off the bench, with a marauding run to the byline, but her cross was intercepted in the penalty box.

The points were shared as neither team were able to gain the advantage, with Livi holding on whilst down to 10 players in the end.

Match report: Angus McGregor

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