Livingston’s trip to Spartans ended in tough defeat as defender Jess Murphy saw red within the opening minutes of the game.

Both teams were in good standing for an early goal, with the Lionesses’ high press producing some promising offence in the early moments.

The game would turn just before the ten-minute mark, when Spartans forward Young was sent through on goal beyond Jess Murphy. An outstretched arm from the Livingston defender was enough to deny her opponent an opportunity at goal on the edge of the box, and for the referee to reach straight for red.

Livingston would continue to venture forward, but it took the hosts ten minutes to utilise their player advantage and Park was able to convert a second cross after a corner into a chaotic six-yard box.

Spartans would have more joy from the wide areas as Andrews’ cross was turned in by Park to double the hosts’ lead. The hosts added to their lead again minutes later, with Jorja McGurk’s pass backwards finding Bandura lurking on the penalty spot; the forward converted for 3-0 before the break.

A relentless Spartans continued to rain shots on the Livingston goal early in the second half, and Young found the net after more penalty box chaos minutes after the whistle. Spartans would continue to move the ball around comfortably and bagged their fifth goal with thirty minutes to go, Hurrell slotting in a rebound from close range after a save from Chloe Gibney.

Livingston would switch their midfield three on the hour, but substitute Emily Moran’s afternoon was cut short after a clash of heads with Spartans’ Douglas led to her making way before the final whistle. Two corners and a long range effort from Rachel Walkingshaw were not enough to earn Livingston a late consolation goal, and Spartans kept their clean sheet intact.

After a humbling defeat, the Lionesses have another break in fixtures and look to host Queen’s Park in two weeks’ time.

Match report: Kieran Loughren

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