Livingston got back to winning ways as they saw off Stirling University 2-1 at the Tony Macaroni Arena. Goals from Bryony Ross and Hannah Davie gave Livingston the advantage as the Lionesses won their first league game since January.

Injury issues led to a great moment for the Livingston Women’s Youth Academy, with three players being named in the first-team squad for the first time. Eilidh Howard, Kodie Bell and Kara Sibbald were named among the substitutes for their first tastes of a SWPL 2 matchday.

Livingston started off very brightly, keeping possession of the ball and working the ball patiently to create good opportunities. Lauren Evans led the line and did well to bring others into the game, with Livingston creating opportunities for Jen Dodds and Emma McFadyen.

Livi’s possession was taken advantage of as Bryony Ross tremendously opened the scoring. Patient build-up saw Lauren Evans tee up the centre back whose effort hit off the post and into the back of the net from outside the box.

Further chances were created for Anna Dickov and Jess Murphy but no further goals were scored before halftime. Livingston were forced into two changes as Jen Dodds and Shannon Mulligan both suffered injuries with Lucy Watt and Raewyn Murphy taking their places.

Livingston started the second half as they did the first, getting their rewards with a well worked team goal. A good performance from Hannah Davie was capped off with a goal, as she fired home from a Lucy Watt cutback to double the home side’s advantage.

An enforced break in play due to an injury saw Stirling’s Emily Gray stretchered off and requiring further medical attention. The club wishes the player the best in her recovery and hope to see her back on the field soon.

The visitors pulled one back through Rachel Hollywood, with the striker latching onto a long goal kick and firing beyond Schenai Gamrot to give the visitors a glimmer of hope.

Ashley Elizabeth and Jess Murphy both went close to restoring Livi’s two goal lead, but both were thwarted by fantastic saves by Stirling’s Regan Ott.

The two goals were enough for Livi though as they secured a big three points in their first league win since January. A trip to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock is up next for Livingston on Sunday 31st March.

Match Report: Angus Mcgregor

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