GLENTORAN WOMEN 1
FC RIGA 4
Glentoran Women’s Champions League campaign came to an end following defeat to FC Riga in their first qualifying round tie.
The Glens made a positive start and threatened from several early set-pieces. Kelly Crompton fired narrowly wide following a corner before Faye Loughran headed over from another dangerous delivery.
Despite that bright opening, Riga took the lead after 33 minutes. Shiori Kato delivered a cross from the right and Kumba Brima arrived at the back post to head beyond Ashleigh McKinnon.
Glentoran responded well and almost levelled before the break when Mia Moore found space inside the penalty area, but her effort drifted just wide.
Riga doubled their advantage 11 minutes into the second half. Minami Oi’s corner was met by Renate Gaugere, who rose highest to head home and make it 2-0.
The Glens continued to look for a way back into the contest and Gracie Conway came close to reducing the deficit, but Riga remained resolute before adding a third after 80 minutes. Brima’s effort was turned into her own net by Sofie Keenan as she attempted to clear.
Glentoran pulled a goal back four minutes later. Demi Vance delivered an excellent cross from the left and Loughran powered a header into the net to reduce the deficit.
However, Riga restored their three-goal advantage in stoppage time when Brima capitalised on a loose ball, rounded McKinnon and finished into the empty net to complete the victory.
Glentoran Women: McKinnon, Loughran, Foy, Keenan, Caldwell (Rogan 78 mins), Kerr, Vance, G Conway (D Conway 89 mins), Moore, McKearney (McLaughlin 64 mins), Crompton (Timoney 89 mins). Subs Jeffery, McMaster, Butler, Bailie, Maguire, McCarron
FC Riga: Torgosova, Steinberga, Brima (Belova 90 mins), Takahira, Gaugere, Mitani (Sondore 90 mins), Rahimova, Taketa, Oi, Kato, Mustafa (Preijere 46 mins). Subs Juana, Kallase, Telukevica, Senberga, Krasnova, Haritonova, Camane.
Referee: Fatemeh Zangeneh (Norway)
