Livingston Women’s Development team cruised to the SWFL Central/South East title this season.
They’ve won 18 of their 21 league matches played, sitting 13 points clear heading into Sunday’s final game.
But it will take a few years for head coach Jamie Williamson to properly judge just how successful a season it’s been.
That’s because, as vital as all those wins are, the club’s true measure of success will be in seeing how many players make the step up to first-team football with the senior women’s side.
The senior Lionesses are currently going great guns in the third tier SWF Championship and Williamson is confident there’s a string of players in his team who could play their part for Paul Jaconelli’s outfit this term.
The connection between the two clubs is crucial for continued growth and success and Williamson says he’s delighted to be playing his part – and seeing his team crowned champions.
Speaking to the Courier, he said: “I’m hugely proud of the team and we’ve had a great season. Standards have been high and they’ve performed at a brilliant level throughout the campaign.
“The facilities that we have access to are incredible and we want to utilise that in terms of how we play. That’s brought difficulties at times on some away games but credit to the girls because they’ve always tried to play great football.
“Sometimes it was a case of digging deep but they’ve done really well.”
He added: “The remit and guidelines from Paul were clear. Yes, you obivously want to win games and win titles, but our job is ultimately to create the next batch of players for the senior team.
“In my opinion that’s what we’re doing. I believe we’ve got girls who can make that step up and myself and Paul chat pretty much every week. He knows what we’ve got within this team.
“I want to see as many girls as possible take that next step and be the future of Livingston.”
The squad is a mixture of young talent hoping to catch the eye of the first team with a sprinkling of more experienced players who have already had that taste but need regular football.
Skipper Megan Williamson says it’s a blend that’s worked perfectly, commenting: “It’s been a really good season. It was hard at the start to merge the players together and I think the summer break really helped that and gave us more time to gel but it’s been a brilliant group.
“The club have made sure that we’re set-up to have as good a chance as possible to be successful – like training with the first team and having access to the facilities. We get a buzz from that.
“We’ve still had to put in the hard work but there’s a connection between the two sides that has been a huge benefit to us.”
She added: “The more experienced girls have been brilliant for the younger players within the group.
“We’re all one team and everyone supports each other – it’s been the best side I’ve ever played with in that regards - and I think that’s played a huge role in us having a successful season.”
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
