Crusaders Strikers leapfrogged Linfield into the NIFL Danske Bank Women’s Premiership top spot when defeating them 2-1 away on Wednesday evening.
It was a very different result from when the pair met in League Cup action last week, then Linfield had run out 7-0 winners.
Julie Nelson turned in a Grace Murray free kick at the back post to give the Strikers the advantage 8 minutes short of the interval.
Courtney Moore and Clare Carson combined to set up Celine Curtis to double the lead from 25 yards, with Kirsty McGuinness later pulling one back for the home team.
Cliftonville doubled their points tally with all five goals at Derry City, for whom it was a third straight defeat.
Emma McMaster’s goal was the only difference between the sides at half-time on the way to a 5-0 win.
Amber Dempster bagged a brace and set up Hannah Grieve for her first goal from the club, before Orlaith McVeagh added completed the scoring late on.
Sion Swifts are two points behind Linfield with a game in hand after hitting basement side Portadown for six.
Michelle McDaid netted her first of the season on 25 minutes but it was the hour mark before Amy Boyle-Carr doubled the lead.
Jess Moorehead scored on her debut and substitute Aimee Mackin struck a ten-minute hat-trick, beginning with a penalty.
Cup semi-final draw made
Meanwhile, the draw was made for the semi-finals of the Premiership League Cup, with holders Linfield traveling to Glentoran, whilst Cliftonville host Derry City.
Both ties are to be played on Wednesday 30th May with an 8pm kick off and the final is set for Friday 29th June.
