Jen Dodds’ second half strike only proved to be a consolation as Livingston lost 2-1 at home to Boroughmuir Thistle. A Kayla Helay own goal and a brilliant individual goal from Abigail Varghese gave the visitors the advantage as they left West Lothian with all three points.

Six players were missing from Mike Ross’ squad, including the suspended Courtney McAvoy following last weekend’s Scottish Cup tie. Debuts were handed to January signings Kayla Healy and Yasmin Boyce, with Ross opting for Molly Reeve in goal.

The home side were dealt with an early blow as Boroughmuir took the lead inside seven minutes. As it looked like a foul was to be given, the Livingston defence switched off as Abigail Varghese sprinted through on goal and rounded Molly Reeve. Defender Kayla Healy did well to make up the ground and make a challenge but unfortunately ended up turning the ball into her own net.

The first half was too easy for Boroughmuir who showed great energy whilst a sluggish Livingston struggled to maintain real possession of the ball. The half time break didn’t look to have refreshed the Lionesses as they sloppily gave the ball away from kick off, before Molly Reeve was forced to tip a strike onto the crossbar.

Thistle soon got their second goal, with Varghese again causing Livingston great trouble. The Player of the Match jinked past several Livingston defenders on a lung busting run before firing a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner to double the away sides lead.

The introduction of Jen Dodds was a real benefit to the Lionesses, with the substitute adding a composure into the middle of the park. Livingston were starting to play their own game through Dodds and getting into threatening positions.

Dodds gott her first goal of the season with ten minutes to go, with great credit going to provider Anna Dickov. Dickov kept the ball in play out wide, before beating three players on the byline and cutting back to Dodds who made no mistake from close range to give hope of a comeback.

Boroughmuir almost replied instantly as Emily Arthur managed to beat Molly Reeve to a ball but before she could tap into an empty net, Jess Murphy and Natasha Frew recovered to clear.

The home side came close to stealing a point as a Lauren Evans flick on was met by Emma McFadyen, but the winger was unable to bundle the ball into the back of the net in the last chance of the game.

The away side would take a helpful three points as they go only one point behind Livingston. The Lionesses will hope to bounce back next weekend as they travel to take on Glasgow Women.

Match Report: Angus Mcgregor

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