LINFIELD Women boosted their league and cup double hopes with a comprehensive 5-1 victory over rivals Glentoran in the Irish FA Women’s Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
At the same time, they ended league leaders Glens’ double dream leaving the Oval side to concentrate on the title race,
Holders Cliftonville marched into the last four with an emphatic 5-0 north Belfast derby win against Crusaders at Seaview.
Larne and Derry City complete the semi-final line-up.
In the match of the round at Midgley Park, Linfield raced into an early two-goal lead through Zoe McGlynn and Rhianna Breen after barely a quarter-of-an-hour with Demi Vance missing a chance to pull one back for the Glens from the penalty spot before Mia Moore kept the visitors in it with a reply just on half-time.
The Blues built on their 2-1 half time lead, however, with a double strike from Eve Reilly and one from Cora Chambers sending them cruising into the semi-finals.
Holders Cliftonville also produce a five-star show with first-half goals from Naomi McLaughlin and Caitlin McGuinness putting them 2-0 up and in control at half-time lead against their north Belfast rivals Crusaders at Seaview.
There was no way back for the Crues and the Reds kept their hands on the trophy with second half goals from Caitlin McGuinness, her second of the game, Marissa Callaghan and Katie Markey.
Championship side Ballyclare Comrades gave Larne a scare as they went 2-1 up in their quarter-final.
Larne recovered to win 4-2 and go through to their first semi-final in the competition.
Emily Gilchrist edged the Comrades in front after just 10 minutes but this was cancelled out by Hollie Johnston for Larne just a few moments after that.
Molly Weir restored home advantage late in the first half, a lead they held until Aimee-Lee Peachey levelled for Larne with 20 minutes remaining.
However, two goals in the last 10 minutes from Starr Dougherty and Erin Montgomery saw the Premiership side come through to secure the win.
At the Bluebell Stadium, Derry City hit three unanswered second half goals past Lisburn Ladies to progress.
Ellen McDermott opened the scoring on 50 minutes, with Rihanna Ferris following up seven minutes later. Caoirse Doherty then completed the scoring in stoppage time.
Linfield celebrations (below)
Linfield v Glentoran action, below
