Glens miss out on Champions League group stage as they fall short despite fightback in Cyprus

GLENTORAN Women suffered a disappointing afternoon in Cyprus as a first half three goal deficit was just too much to make up and the squad will not now make the group stages of the UEFA Women’s Champions League after a 3-2 defeat by Mura of Slovenia.

Even with a full-strength squad available bar the injured Emma McMaster, the game got off to the worst possible start as the Glens were 2-0 down within the first half hour.

The first came after 15 minutes through a low shot by Sara Makovec that gave Ashleigh McKinnon in the Glens goal no chance.

The second came 14 minutes later when Yana Malakhova took a touch around the keeper to slot it home.That’s how the score remained until half time with very few other opportunities created.

The Glens best effort of the half came from last week’s double scorer Aimee Kerr.The second half started no better for the Glens as Mura further increased their lead 10 minutes in when Noelle Vilcnik converted a penalty.

Three minutes later things took a turn for the better when a trio of Northern Ireland midfielders combined to reduce the deficit. Demi Vance’s free kick from the left was nodded back across by Nadene Caldwell at the back post for Chloe McCarron to finish.

Vance then cut the lead to one goal by scoring a penalty on 71 minutes, her 15th goal of the season.

With the score still at 3-2, the fourth official signalled for nine minutes of injury time. But the goal didn’t come and Mura held out for the win.

This result means Glentoran cannot now qualify for the group stages but instead will have a group 3rd place play-off against the losers of the other group tie between Apollon Ladies FC (Cyprus) vs Pyunik Women (Armenia).

Glentoran Women: Ashleigh McKinnon, Sarah Tweedie, Jess Foy (c), Aimee Neal, Chloe McCarron, Nadene Caldwell, Aimee Kerr, Demi Vance, Jenna McKearney, Emily Wilson Rachel RoganSubs: Annie Timoney, Kelly Bailie, Megan Neill, Sofie Keenan (for Neal 43), Ellie Butler, Kelly Crompton (for Kerr 84), Rachel McIntyre and Kascie Weir (for Rogan)