Livingston Women’s boss Paul Jaconelli was full of praise for his side despite their exit from the Scottish Cup.
The Lionesses conceded an equaliser two minutes from time before being dismissed on penalties at home to Montrose.
But their boss insists that there were plenty of positives as they look to mount a Championship South title bid.
Speaking to the Courier, he said: “I’m disappointed, obviously, to lose the game – especially on penalties which are a bit of a lottery.
“But there were lots of positives.
“It was a very good performance against a side that has won every league game this season.
“I thought that we were going to hold on and the conditions were horrendous but I’m incredibly proud and pleased with the girls’ effort and fight during the game.”
He added: “The way that we played in extra-time was impressive because it’s quite often the case that the heads can go down when you concede late on.
“I thought that we were the better team over the 30 minutes. The substitutions that we made all had time to bed in and played well and we created a couple of decent chances that might have gone in on another day.”
Livingston now turn their focus to a dramatic Championship South promotion race, with the Lionesses currently sitting in sixth place.
However, they are just seven points behind leaders Edinburgh City and have two games in hand over the capital club.
Jaconelli added: “It would have been good to get through, but our aim all season has been to get promotion and we’re now able to put all our focus on the league.
“If we are able to replicate that type of performance and effort, then I think that we’ll be in a good place to make that challenge.
“Ayr beat us in the League Cup earlier in the season and they are up there in the league.
“We know how much of a challenge it’s going to be but we’re all confident that we can get the result.”
The Lionesses are hoping to welcome back midfielder Rachel Walkingshaw for the game.
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