NORTHERN Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan earned her Cliftonville side a share of the points in an entertaining Avenir Sports All-Island Cup opener against Dublin visitors Shelbourne, which ended 1-1.
The Solitude showdown represented the Reds’ first outing of the season and, up against a Shels side whose domestic Premier Division campaign began earlier this month, that slight difference in match sharpness arguably told early on as the visitors claimed the lead through Jemma Quinn.
Cliftonville hit back, however, with Marissa Callaghan slamming in a leveller before half-time which, despite both teams’ best efforts to further impress upon the scoreline, proved the final goal of a lively Group B encounter.
Linfield also earned a draw, 2-2 against Dublin side, Peamount United, with a dominant second half display.
A second half header from Amy McGivern sealed the win on the road, in blustery conditions, for Crusaders Strikers against DFL Wave at Whitehall Stadium.
Glentoran defeated by Athlone Town at the Blanchflower
Former Glentoran star Casey Howe gave the visitors the lead after just six minutes before Kerry Beattie levelled on the 21nd.
Nadene Caldwell’s close range strike after a scramble in the box gave the home side the lead but goals from Kerryanne Brown and Howe restored Athlone’s advantage.
The goals weren’t done there as Kate Slevin’s volley and Ciara O’Neill’s strike meant it was 2-5 at the final whistle.
Bohemians comfortable victors against Lisburn Ladies
A tough first fixture in the All Island Cup ends in defeat for Lisburn Ladies as Bohemians win 4-0.
An unstoppable strike from Katie Lovely put Bohemians in front before Savannah Kane netted her first senior goal to double their advantage.
Aoibhe Brennan’s deflected effort made it 3-0 at the break with Alannah McEvoy’s header finding the back of the net on the 69th minute.
Sponsors Avenir are the leading performance analysis company in Ireland, working directly with clubs in both the League of Ireland and Northern Ireland Football League and are sponsoring this competition for its second year.
It has also been confirmed that TG4 will provide a live broadcast of this year’s Final to further increase coverage of the competition
With 16 teams taking part – 11 from the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division, five from the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership – this year promises to be just as exciting with Galway United determined to defend the trophy that they lifted last July after overcoming Cliftonville Ladies.
Once the Group stages are complete, the quarter-finals ties will take place on week ending June 23 before the competition moves to the semi-finals on week ending July 21 and then finishing with the Final on week ending August 18.
Tommy Conneely, owner of Avenir Sports, said of sponsoring the competition: “We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with the FAI by sponsoring the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup once again.
“Avenir Sports is committed to helping coaches and players to enhance their skills, working closely with teams at all levels—from grassroots to the senior men’s and women’s national teams in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Collaboration is something that we believe is key for success at Avenir Sports, and this tournament is a testament to the remarkable outcomes that can be achieved through the joint efforts of the LOI and NIFL.
“We are delighted to help provide an exciting platform for the top women’s footballers on the island to showcase their talents and we look forward to seeing what this year’s tournament brings.”
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
