Livingston Women bounce back to winning ways with victory over Stirling University

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A second-half double saw Livingston return to winning ways with a 2-0 SWPL2 victory over Stirling University, writes Angus McGregor.First goals of the season from both Raewyn Murphy and Shannon Mulligan allowed the Lionesses to bounce back from last weekend’s loss to Queen’s Park.Ashley Elizabeth went closest in the first half for Livi with the striker having a few opportunities which Stirling Uni keeper Victoria Scarratt was equal to, while Livi’s Molly Reeve produced some big saves to deny Emily Gray at the other end.The home side were forced into a change just before half-time, with Courtney McAvoy receiving a knock and replaced by Brogan Anderson.On her return to the starting line-up, Raewyn Murphy would prove to be an unlikely attacking source for Livi.

The defensive midfielder went close to opening the scoring from close range, before giving the Lionesses the lead in the 66th minute.A long free-kick bounced to her and she emphatically volleyed the ball into the bottom corner for only her second goal for the club.Another set-piece saw Livi go 2-0 up, this time through Mulligan.

A corner from Elizabeth was tremendously met by the midfielder, who rose the highest and powered a header beyond Scarratt to double the home side’s lead.They almost went three up when a shot towards goal was deflected by Fiona Walker, with Scarratt able to recover in time.A comfortable second half showing secured the three points for Livingston, putting the Lionesses only three points behind Kilmarnock in second.They travel to face Killie next weekend, looking to get revenge following their opening day of the season defeat. Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier.