CLIFTONVILLE Ladies lost for the first time this season while Glentoran Women had to fight back from two goals down to earn a share of the spoils against Linfield Women on a dramatic night of Sports Direct Women’s Premiership action.
Linfield Women, who had started the night at the top of the table on goal difference, looked on course to claim local bragging rights as well as the outright lead in the standings after establishing a two-goal advantage before the break.
The Blues were ahead after 12 minutes when Cora Chambers’ throw-in was collected by Megan Bell, who fired a shot from a tight angle high into the net.
Sophie McKnight doubled Linfield’s advantage 10 minutes before half-time, getting onto the end of Eve Reilly’s flick-on before embarking on an impressive run and producing a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
Glentoran hit back almost immediately, however, with Demi Vance applying the finishing touch from close range after Mia Moore’s cross had been flicked on by Gracie Conway.
The defending champion completed their comeback on 64 minutes when Vance’s free-kick into the area was kept alive by Kelly Crompton, allowing Moore to acrobatically turn home from point-blank range to secure a 2-2 draw.
Meanwhile at Solitude, Lisburn Rangers claimed all three points in dramatic fashion with a stoppage-time winner to defeat Cliftonville Ladies 4-3.
Caoimhe Gelston Mulholland handed Rangers an early lead before Hannah Doherty levelled for the Reds after seeing her effort deflect in off the post.
Abbie Smyth restored the visitors’ advantage midway through the first half before Doherty struck again before the interval to send the sides into the break level.
Cliftonville edged in front for the first time shortly after the restart through Caitlin McGuinness, only for Rangers to equalise when Maddy Harvey-Clifford turned the ball into her own net.
With the contest appearing destined to end all square Grace Murray struck in stoppage time to seal a dramatic victory for Lisburn Rangers and a first ever in the League over Cliftonville.
Linfield remain at the top on goal difference from Glentoran with a game more played while Cliftonville are a point behind.
Megan Bell scores Linfield Women’s first goal in their 2-2 draw with Glentoran Women
