Livingston Women's striker Jen Dodds raring to go as club prepare for inaugural season

By Angus McGregor

The Scottish Women’s Championship South returns this Sunday and for Livingston Women's striker Jen Dodds and her teammates, it can’t come quickly enough.

Following a turbulent year with lockdowns and restrictions, the Lionesses have been back at it and are now raring to go this weekend as they host Edinburgh Caledonia in their first competitive fixture of the new campaign.

She said: "It’s been a long time coming, so I’m excited. It’s all been a bit stop-start so there’s been a bit of frustration but we’re just ready to go now, can’t wait.”

It has not been the usual pre-season with disruptions getting in the way, but Dodds insists that the club has to take in their stride, saying: “We’ve had a few weekends off when we’ve wanted to get going at times as games have been cancelled last minute. I imagine that the other teams will be in the same situation, though, so we’ve just got to get on with it.”

The disruptions, along with the lack of team training at times over the past 18 months, has seen a heightened expectancy on the players to keep up with their own fitness regime with the striker hoping the dreaded 5km runs are now a thing of the past.

"They certainly don't get any easier," she laughed. "We’ve all been working hard in training and at the games as everyone wants to play which is good as it’s competitive.

"Everyone is giving it their all on the pitch to try and get into the starting line-up.”

The Lionesses made the most of their strong squad in a midweek friendly against fellow Championship South opposition Ayr United, with Livi dominating the second half whilst regularly making changes.

Dodds certainly made a huge impact in the game, winning a penalty and scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory as she looks to cement her place in the first team.

After almost 18 months without competitive action, Livingston Women will be delighted to kick-off their league season and return to normality within football. After the league was ground to a halt early into the club's first campaign with the Lionesses sitting top of the table, they'll no doubt be keen to make up for lost time as they look to make a big impact within the Championship South this season.

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