THE holders gradually established control after a cautious opening spell before two first-half goals from Caitlin McGuinness put them firmly on course for victory.
Kirsty McGuinness and Danielle Maxwell added further goals after the break to complete a convincing display.
There was little to separate the sides during the opening 10 minutes, but the Reds fashioned the first clear opportunity soon after when Kirsty McGuinness delivered an inviting cross from the left, but Victoria Carleton fired narrowly wide from close range.
Cliftonville’s pressure was rewarded eight minutes later. Maddy Harvey-Clifford’s long pass released Caitlin McGuinness through on goal, and she kept her composure to slot a low finish into the bottom right-hand corner beyond Ashleigh McKinnon.
McGuinness doubled both her tally and Cliftonville’s advantage after 26 minutes. Cutting inside Jess Foy on the edge of the area, she produced a clinical right-footed finish that beat McKinnon into the right side of the net.
Glentoran began the second half with greater purpose and almost reduced the deficit four minutes in when Mia Moore drove a low effort towards the near post, but Harvey-Clifford was equal to the attempt.
The East Belfast side threatened again on 58 minutes after Gracie Conway won possession in midfield and spotted Harvey-Clifford off her line, but she just couldn’t execute the finish.
Cliftonville quickly regained control and almost extended their lead on 66 minutes.
Caitlin McGuinness raced down the left before attempting to squeeze a finish inside the near post, only for McKinnon to produce a smart save.But the third goal arrived just two minutes later.
Danielle Maxwell’s excellent crossfield pass released Kirsty McGuinness into the left side of the penalty area, and she calmly swept a low left-footed finish across the keeper into the far corner.McKinnon prevented the scoreline becoming more emphatic six minutes later, tipping Kirsty McGuinness’ powerful effort over the crossbar, before Maxwell flashed another attempt narrowly wide as Cliftonville continued to dominate.
However Maxwell did get on the scoresheet with eight minutes remaining. Combining neatly with Louise McDaniel on the edge of the area, she finished confidently to seal a comprehensive victory.
Cliftonville Ladies: Harvey-Clifford, Burrows, Doherty, Morgan, Lynch, C. McGuinness, Carleton, K. McGuinness, Havern, O. McGuinness, Magee. Subs: McDaniel, O’Neill, Maxwell, Gallagher, Anderson, Thompson, Kelly
Glentoran Women: McKinnon, Loughran, Foy, McMaster, Keenan, Caldwell, Kerr, Vance, G. Conway, Moore, Crompton. Subs Rogan, Butler, D. Conway, Bailie, McKearney, Timoney, McCarron
