Livingston finally returned to winning ways at Almondvale, although the squad made sure nobody enjoyed a relaxing finish.

After a difficult afternoon at Stranraer ended in a 5–1 defeat, the Lions needed a response against Inverness. They delivered one, creating twelve shots and forcing visiting goalkeeper Ross Munro into nine saves.

Tawanda Maswanhise opened the scoring after 32 minutes, but with chances coming and going, the home supporters had a familiar feeling that one goal might not be enough.

Unfortunately, they were correct. Inverness equalised in the 83rd minute, prompting several fans to begin conversations with the stadium roof.

This time, however, Livingston had the final word. Maswanhise supplied the ball and Jeremy Bokila headed home in the 87th minute to secure a much-needed 2–1 victory. Almondvale rediscovered its voice, and a few fingernails were lost in the remaining minutes.

The win does not erase the disappointment at Stranraer. Gordon Ramsay’s goal was a rare bright spot on an afternoon when the home side punished Livingston repeatedly. There are lessons to take from both matches: the Lions must defend more consistently and turn good spells into goals.

Marvin Bartley continues to progress, adding valuable match experience and further training to his growing contribution. His enthusiasm remains undimmed, even if the senior players have advised him that supporting Livingston is excellent preparation for coping with pressure.

Next up are East Fife away and Arbroath at home. East Fife arrive in excellent form, while Arbroath carry plenty of attacking threat. Joshua Brenet’s suspension adds another challenge, and the squad will need everyone ready to contribute.

Around the training ground, the mood is brighter, but nobody is confusing one victory with a finished job. There are important points still to fight for.

Gordon Ramsay has reportedly welcomed the improved service into the box. His review of the Stranraer performance remains unsuitable for publication.

One win on the board. Now the Lions need to build on it.

Livingston emerged from another weekend unbeaten, although supporters could be forgiven for requesting a quieter route to the final whistle.

The trip to Alloa produced six goals, a three-goal lead and enough nervous pacing to wear a trench in the away technical area. Jeremy Bokila struck twice before Tawanda Maswanhise added a third, leaving the travelling support wondering whether they had accidentally boarded the bus to an entirely different season.

Unfortunately, Alloa had other ideas. Three goals later, the points were shared and the phrase “a comfortable afternoon” was formally banned from the return journey.

There was a different sort of tension against Stenhousemuir. Chances were scarce, the visitors went ahead late on, and Livingston needed Maswanhise’s 85th-minute equaliser to rescue a deservedly celebrated point. Whatever else this side may be accused of, leaving early is not recommended.

“We were disappointed to let the lead slip at Alloa, but pleased with the response against Stenhousemuir,” came the assessment from Almondvale. “We need to put together complete performances. There are points available, and we have to give ourselves every chance of taking them.”

Young Marvin Bartley continues to make steady progress, gaining valuable minutes in both fixtures. His development remains a bright spot, although the coaching staff have resisted suggestions that he should also be put in charge of calming everyone down.

Next come Stranraer away and Inverness at home. Both present serious challenges, and the squad will need contributions from across the dressing room as the league campaign enters its closing stages.

Gordon Ramsay has reportedly described the recent defending as “requiring attention.” The remainder of his assessment was unsuitable for the club newsletter.

Two draws, lessons to take forward, and plenty still to fight for.

The Lions march on. Preferably with fewer late shocks.