Crusaders produced one of the shocks one of the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership season as they ended Glentoran’s slim title hopes.
Northern Ireland international Julie Nelson netted a double for the Crues in East Belfast and while Makyla Mulholland replied with a late consolation for the Glens, Spike Hill’s side held on for the points.
The top two sides, Sion Swifts and Linfield, both kept their title challenges on track with routine victories – defeating Comber Rec and Cliftonville by scorelines of 12-0 and 5-0 respectively.
Jamaica international goalkeeper Nicole McClure was among the scorers for Sion as she converted a penalty, while Ciara Grant hit a hat-trick.
Kristin Desmond and Michelle McDaid bagged braces for Sion, while Ciana Brogan, Taz McCarter, Moya Feehan and Samantha Brand also were on target.
Casey Howe struck either side of the break for the Blues at New Midgely Park before Rebecca Bassett, Kirsty McGuinness (penalty) and substitute Rebecca McKenna completed the comprehensive victory.
Sion retain a four-point lead at the top over Linfield, who have played two games fewer and have three matches of their league campaign remaining.
Linfield’s trip to Glentoran on Saturday evening may prove definitive for the destination of this season’s league title.
