CARLA Devine grabbed the winner as Cliftonville Ladies defeated Linfield Women at Midgley Park.
The 22-year-old found the net with just over ten minutes remaining when she slammed home the rebound from close range after Kirsty McGuinness’ shot was parried into her path.
The Reds had moved in front on seven minutes when Grace McKimm’s left foot cross was headed into the corner of the net by Fionnula Morgan.
Linfield squandered the opportunity to level after a quarter-of-an-hour when Cora Chambers could only send a spot-kick against the upright, but she got the chance to make amends just moments later sending Erin McAllister the wrong way after McKimm had been penalised for a challenge in the area.
But Cliftonville went in at the break on top after a McKimm free-kick into the area was deflected into her own net by Ellen Hampton.
The Blues got back on level terms for a second time around the hour mark with Chambers second of the evening after Alexandra Clarke had sent the ball across the face of goal.
However holders Cliftonville hit back again thanks to Devine’s winner.
Linfield Women: Currie, McMaster, Doherty, Sweetlove, n/a, McGlynn, Chambers, Loughrey, Marks, Hampton, Reilly. Subs: Fitzsimmons, Bassett, Leckey, Knox, Clarke, Breen, McDad
Cliftonville Ladies: McAllister, Burrows, McKimm, Morgan, C. McGuinness, Carleton, K. McGuinness, O’Neill, Callaghan, Markey, O. McGuinness. Subs: Watt, Devine, Gallagher, Anderson, Mayock, Cunningham, Magee
Nadene Caldwell opened the scoring for Glentoran on 63 minutes at Lisburn Rangers and Demi Vance sealed the win on 76 minutes.
Lisburn Rangers: Smith, F. Loughran, McGreevy, Johnston, Bell, Megaw, D. Conway, O’Donnell, Kelly-Bradley, G. Conway, Stanyte. Subs: Bell, Donnan, Parker, McConnell, M. Loughran, Keenan
Glentoran Women: McKinnon, Foy, McMaster, Keenan, Caldwell, Kerr, Vance, Wilson, Weir, Moore, Crompton. Subs: Rogan, Butler, Neal, McKnight, Bailie, Neill, McKearney
Carla Devine scored Cliftonville’s winner and action from Lisburn Rangers v Glentoran (below)
Meanwhile, Cliftonville Ladies have confirmed that Quo Pro Recruitment have generously agreed to extend their sponsorship of the treble winners into a fourth season.
The Belfast firm’s logo will remain proudly emblazoned across the Reds’ home and away jerseys throughout the 2025 campaign.
“We’ve very pleased to have Quo Pro Recruitment on board for the year ahead and are very grateful for their support,” said Cliftonville’s Head of Women’s Football, Martin Douglas.
“Their brand has associated with the Reds throughout the most trophy-laden era in the history of our Ladies’ team and we’re very pleased to have had their backing while we’ve celebrated Premiership, Irish Cup, League Cup and County Antrim Cup success over the last few years.
“With all of those competitions, plus the Women’s All-Island Cup and Champions League to look forward to in 2025, we’re delighted that Quo Pro Recruitment will remain part of the team.”
“All the support our Ladies team receive is invaluable and, with our new sponsors signed up, we’re looking forward to a good season on and off the pitch.”
