Cliftonville Ladies 3-2 Athlone Town
DANIELLE Maxwell marked her return with a goal as Cliftonville Ladies claimed a vital All-Island Cup win over Athlone Town at Solitude.
The 24-year-old, who rejoined the Reds from Burnley this week, opened the scoring before Teegan Lynch and Caitlin McGuinness found the net to earn three Group C points.
A couple of goal bursts contributed to the entertainment in this eye-catching affair, with Maxwell breaking the deadlock on 23 minutes only for Roisin Molloy to draw the visitors level shortly afterwards.
McGuinness then did well to tee Lynch up to put Cliftonville 2-1 in front just past the hour, but Athlone produced another quick response when Noelle Murray restored parity – only for McGuinness to almost immediately bag the winner and lift her side level with the Town on three points in Group C.
A home victory over Cork City on May 30 will open the door to a quarter-final spot for the Reds.
Glentoran 0-1 Waterford
Glentoran’s winning run in all competitions came to an end in a 1-0 home defeat by Waterford with Nadene Caldwell (below) named Player of the Match.
A first-half strike from Dan Burke ultimately proved the difference between the sides, despite a strong second-half performance from the Glens, who were left frustrated after striking the woodwork twice across an entertaining contest.
The hosts almost made the perfect start when Issy Walsh’s defensive header looped dangerously towards her own goal, only for the crossbar to come to Waterford’s rescue before the visitors cleared their lines.
Glentoran continued to threaten in the opening stages, with Maeve Williams producing a smart save to deny Sofia Keenan, while Anna Gornell was forced into a goal-line clearance moments later as the pressure mounted.
At the other end, Ellie Scott was called into action to make two excellent saves in quick succession from Fiana Bradley and Jess Lawler as Waterford gradually settled into the game.
The breakthrough arrived on 16 minutes when Bradley’s dangerous inswinging corner caused problems inside the area, with Burke reacting quickest to stab home from close range.
The Glens responded positively after the interval and enjoyed their strongest spell of the afternoon, with Georgia Conway, Caitlin Rogan and Nadene Moore all testing Williams as the home side searched for a route back into the game.
Despite sustained pressure, Waterford’s defence remained resolute, while Scott was required again late on to deny Bradley and keep the deficit at a single goal.
There was heartbreak for Glentoran deep into stoppage time when Kelly Bailie’s dangerous delivery crashed back off the crossbar, summing up an afternoon where the Glens were unable to find the breakthrough their performance deserved.
Glentoran: Scott, Loughran, Foy (C), Keenan, Caldwell, Kerr, Vance, Rogan, G Conway, Weir, Moore.
Substitutes: McKinnon, D Conway, Timoney, Bailie, Maguire, McKearney, Butler, Crompton, Maguire, Gardner.
