The lionesses kicked off their SWPL Sky Sports Cup campaign with a first home win of the season against visitors East Fife.

Livingston looked comfortable on their new surface from the outset, with both teams looking for the early goal. A new-look forward pairing of Megan Wands and Justine Strain caused a physical East Fife plenty of problems, holding up the ball and running at the defence. Vivienne Strain would soon put the hosts ahead, smashing home a loose ball after East Fife failed to clear from a long throw.

Another Livingston set piece would add to the visitors’ woes as Megan Whiteford converted a short corner routine, getting the better of Anderson with a lofted ball towards the back post.

Livingston would find their groove and began to use width to their advantage, spreading the East Fife defence. A cross from deep was met by a towering Jess Murphy header to make it 3-0 before the break.

Livingston took full control in the second half, keeping the ball well and more than matching their opponents’ physicality all over the park. After a few big chances for the hosts were ruled offside, Justine Strain would bag a deserved goal before the final whistle, rounding Anderson and slotting in Livingston’s fourth of the afternoon.

Another win and clean sheet as attention turns to league action at home again next week.

Match report: Kieran Loughren

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