CLIFTONVILLE Ladies, Linfield Women and defending champions Glentoran Women all made commanding starts to the new Sports Direct Women’s Premiership season with convincing victories on the opening night.
Glentoran began their title defence in style with a 5-0 win over Lisburn Rangers at the Blanchflower Stadium.
Kelly Crompton set the tone with an early opener on five minutes, before Mia Moore and Gracie Conway extended the lead prior to the break.
Aimee Kerr added a fourth just before the hour mark, with Moore grabbing her second soon after.
Cliftonville were equally impressive at Solitude as they cruised to victory over Lisburn Ladies.
Hannah Doherty netted the first goal of the new campaign inside four minutes, with Caitlin McGuinness and Teegan Lynch quickly adding to the tally.
After the interval, Kirsty McGuinness struck twice from expertly taken free-kicks to add further gloss on the scoreline.
Linfield also recorded a five-goal win, seeing off Derry City Women at Midgley Park.
Cora Chambers opened the scoring on 23 minutes, with Eve Reilly doubling the advantage shortly after. Reilly added her second just past the half-hour, while Megan Bell made it four on the stroke of half-time.
Stacey Murdough rounded off the scoring with 20 minutes remaining.
The night’s most competitive contest came at Larne Academy of Sport, where Larne Women fought back to earn a draw against Crusaders Strikers.
Emily Reid’s first-half double had the visitors in control at the interval, but Larne responded strongly in the closing stages. Goals from Chloe Tully and Shannon Dunne inside the final 20 minutes secured a deserved share of the spoils for the hosts.
Linfield celebration
Derry City Women
Glentoran action
Cliftonville celebrate (above and below)
