Livingston Women’s fell to a 4-1 defeat in their opening game of the SWPL 2 season. Jess Murphy’s opener was cancelled out by a clinical Kilmarnock side at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

Livingston manager Mike Ross handed debuts to Mollie Reeve, Bryony Ross, Hannah Davie and Courtney McAvoy in his first competitive game. The Lionesses got off to a great start, opening the scoring in the twelfth minute. A Beth McKay corner was met by the incoming Jess Murphy who directed the ball into the back of the net to give Livi the lead.

Kilmarnock came into the game, almost forcing an own goal from Natasha Frew whose defensive header hit the crossbar. On the half -hour mark, Kilmarnock would equalise through Dionne Brown. A great pass into the box by Alex Middleton was hit first time by Brown who looped the ball over Reeve in the Livingston goal.

The home side bounce back well from the equaliser, pressing high and getting into good areas of the park. Courtney McAvoy would work tirelessly, creating chances for Beth McKay and Lucy Watt but Livi were unable to make use of their pressure.

The second half saw Killie come out brighter, creating a few chances before taking the lead in the 53rd minute. Abby Robinson picked the ball up on the edge of the box before firing into the top corner.

Livingston’s best chances to respond came from headers, with both Murphy and McAvoy going close but not hitting the target.

Substitute Lucie Burns put the game out of sight by coming off the bench to score a double. The first, a header from a well worked cross, before a late counter attack saw the winger use her pace and dink the ball past Reeve, sealing the game for the away side.

Match Report: Angus Mcgregor

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