St Johnstone secured a draw with a penalty at the death as the Lionesses gained a point at a rainy Home of the Set Fare Arena.

The home side wasted no time getting the game up and running as Justine Strain latched onto a lofted through ball from full-back Eirinn Maguire before rounding Cochran to put Livi ahead.

The Saints defence would be tested further in the first half as appeals for a penalty after a foul on Vivienne Strain preceded multiple big chances for Strain and Megan Whiteford, with neither able to find a way past the goalkeeper.

Both sides were forced into first-half changes in what was a physical first half of football, with Eve Donald making way for Jorja McGurk after a late challenge putting the centre-back out of action for the afternoon.

Livingston looked to start the second half as they started the first, with debutant midfielder Emily Moran unlucky to not get the better of Cochran after racing past her marker. Livingston would persevere with a direct approach in search of a crucial second goal, but Vivienne and Justine Strain were unlucky to be caught by the linesman on multiple occasions.

St Johnstone would make a rare venture into the Livi area late on, and a clattering of three players was enough for the referee to award a penalty to the away side. St Johnstone’s Simson was unable to beat Chloe Gibney from the spot on two attempts, but after the linesman ruled Gibney off her line twice the forward equalised at the third time of asking.

Forced to push for a late winner, Livi continued to drive forward. Leah Daly was denied a late match winner as her driven shot was hit straight at Cochran, and the visitors were able to see out the game for a draw.

Match report: Kieran Loughren

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