Livingston Women’s midfielder Gemma Mason insists their dramatic late win over Rossvale on Tuesday night will be for nothing if they follow it up with defeat in Dundee on Sunday.
The Lionesses strengthened their title hopes with a 2-1 win over their second-placed rivals in foggy conditions at the Tony Macaroni Arena and take on bottom of the table Dryburgh Athletic at the weekend.
Despite still searching for their first league win, the Dundee side held Livi to a goalless draw in the first game of the season and have reached the Championship and League One Cup final so they won’t be taken lightly.
Speaking to the Courier, Mason said: “That was a massive win against Rossvale and we put in a performance that deserved the three points, even if we did leave it a bit late.
“We wanted to prove that we could beat them so to come out on top is a huge statement for the rest of the league, I think. We need to follow that up on Sunday and going forward as well. We can’t let ourselves down after picking up a big win like that.
“We treat every game like a cup final and Dryburgh on Sunday will be the same. It’s going to be a really tough game but if we play to our best I’m sure we will pick up the win.
“There’s a real togetherness and team spirit within the squad - we’re all in it together and there’s nobody here who is more interested in themselves than the team.”
Mason marked her return to the starting line-up with an assured display in the heart of the midfield and capped it off with a goal as well as playing her part in the winner as her free-kick hit the bar before falling kindly to Shannon Mulligan to score.
She added: “The goal was a fluke but I’ll take it. It was a hit and hope and I’ve seen it hit the net. It was good to get back in the team and score a goal.
“I’m delighted for Shannon as well to get the winner - although I wish the free-kick went in! She was getting herself in dangerous positions all game so it was coming.”
And the midfielder's display earned the praise of gaffer Paul Jaconelli, who said: "Gemma can be patient and understands that. She missed a couple of training sessions and then a game. She knew she had to earn the right to come back in but she was absolutely superb.
"I thought she was magnificent. She's got her chance again and if she keeps playing like that, she'll stay in the team. There's incredible competition within the squad and that ultimately is of benefit to the club."
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