CRUSADERS were defeated 2-0 by southern visitors Treaty United at Seaview with Peamount the 6-0 victors against Lisburn Ladies.
At a sunny Seaview, Treaty United had matured from last year when Crusaders beat them. Both teams started well and showed great skill.
Crusaders Strikers had some neat touches and connected well between the midfield and the defence. Near the end of the first half Treaty had a few chances through their striker Hannah Saidi from whom Crues keeper Maddy Harvey-Clifford made some great blocks and saves.
Frustratingly, in the last minute of the first half Treaty’s pressure paid off and eventually Delana Friesen headed them into the lead. It was tough blow for Crusaders Strikers coming at the end of the first half.
Treaty started the second half well again and were dominating the ball and making lots of chances. However, Strikers’ Cora Morgan had a great low shot saved and there was still a chance for Strikers to turn it around. Both teams made multiple substitutions and were cancelling each other out until Erin Van Dolder scored for Treaty to make it 2-0.
Crusaders tried hard to claw themselves back into the match but had left it too late. The game ended with Amy McGivern nearly scoring with a looping shot but it wasn’t to be Strikers’ day.
Meanwhile, at the Bluebell Stadium, Louise Masterson and Erin McLaughlin gave Peamount a two-goal lead at the break over Lisburn Ladies.
Avril Brierly hit a third on 55 minutes, followed soon after by McLaughlin’s second of the afternoon. Ellen Dolan then added another couple later in proceedings to wrap the scoring up.
Lisburn Ladies line up to face Peamount
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