Livingston Women's boss full of pride despite opening day defeat to Kilmarnock

Livingston Women’s boss Mike Ross insisted there was plenty to be positive about despite the Lionesses falling 4-1 to Kilmarnock on the SWPL2 debut.

Livi, who won the SWFL Championship title in convincing fashion last year, opened the scoring on their second tier debut as Beth McKay’s whipped corner-kick was turned home by Jess Murphy at the near post after just 12 minutes.

Killie enjoyed a spell of pressure around the half-hour mark. Natasha Frew’s headed clearance bounced off her own bar before the visitors found the net two minutes later as Dionne Brown dinked the ball over debutant Molly Reeve in the Livi goal.

Mhairi Fyfe passed up a great chance for the visitors after some confusion in the box but she sent her effort over the bar.

Abby Robinson fired into the top corner eight minutes after the restart to put the away side in front but Livi reacted well and had chances to get back on level terms.

Ashley Elizabeth and Murphy both narrowly missed the target with headers while Coutney McAvoy went close with a header of her own after a pinpoint cross from the right by Frew.

Killie, though, were rewarded for being more clinical in their efforts and substitute Lucie Burns produced a fine display off the bench as she bagged herself a late double to wrap things up.

Despite the scoreline, Ross was far from downbeat, commenting: “It was brilliant that we took the lead and I thought we started really well.

“I felt they were very clinical and maybe we just ran out of steam a little bit. At this level, you can get punished very quickly.

“I’m very proud of the team. There was a lot of emotion going into the game and it was a big moment for the club and we did very well for large spells.”

He added: “It’s a learning experience and