Livingston Women's boss hails 'character and mentality' of side after late winner puts them a point away from title

Livingston Women’s boss Paul Jaconelli hailed his side’s character as an injury-time winner over Hutchison Vale moved them to within a point of the SWF Championship title.

An out of sorts first-half display saw them trail at the break after Lauren Hall had nipped in ahead of onrushing keeper Charlotte Ferguson on 18 minutes.

However, a half-time reset ensured a much improved display after the break.

Brogan Anderson pounced on a Natasha Frew pass to delicately chip over the keeper and into the far corner on 56 minutes before the hosts practically laid siege on the Vale penalty box.

A string of chances went begging - most notably Ashely Elizabeth hitting the bar and Beth McKay firing her own rebound wide when she looked certain to score.

With time winding down, skipper Frew was at it again with an inch-perfect delivery being flicked home at the back post by Jen Dodds for the winner.

A delighted Jaconelli commented: “It was very much a game of two halves but it speaks volumes about them that they went on to win the game.

“We had a right good chat at half-time and asked them if they thought it had been good enough and they said they were off it although credit to Hutchie because I thought they were very good.

“We had plenty of chances and should have scored a few more but you have to sit back and just say ‘well done’ because they stuck at it right to the very end. That shows character and the mentality of this team.

“It can be easy for the heads to go down when you’re having one of those days but that didn’t happen. Those are the sort of games that can make the difference over the course of the season and we’ve done it a few times. I’m delighted for the girls.”

He added: “I tweaked things a wee bit early in the second-half