A memorable night for Derry City saw them record their first Danske Bank Women’s Premiership victory in almost two years with a 1-0 win over Sion Swifts.
Wednesday 12 May
Derry City Women 1-0 Sion Swifts
Linfield 1-1 Glentoran
Crusaders Strikers 0-1 Cliftonville
Lauren Cregan scored the only goal of the game a minute after half-time to secure the Candystripes first top-flight victory in 20 matches, a run stretching back to a victory over Comber Rec in July 2019.
Derry’s performances this season have seen a marked improvement from recent years and this landmark result was their first triumph over their Strabane-based rivals since 2018.
Whilst this was a low-scoring night in the division there was no shortage of drama and intrigue with Derry’s triumph accompanied by two Belfast derbies.
Defending champions Glentoran came from a goal down to rescue a point away to Linfield as Northern Ireland international Samantha Kelly netted a late equaliser to cancel out Rebecca Bassett’s first half strike for the Blues.
Linfield had been edged out by Cliftonville the previous week but went toe-to-toe against the Glens in a superb end-to-end encounter with both sides creating plenty of chances to win, but ultimately the spoils were shared.
Cliftonville now top the standings as they are the only side remaining with a 100 percent winning record, thanks to edging out North Belfast rivals Crusaders Strikers at Seaview.
Two Northern Ireland internationals combined for the moment that decided the closely-fought affair, as Kirsty McGuinness – who has now netted in successive games – headed home Marissa Callaghan’s cross.
