An eventful night in the Dankse Bank Women’s Premiership title race saw Glentoran and Crusaders defeat Linfield and Sion Swifts respectively.
The Glens registered a two-goal win over fierce rivals Linfield at The Oval and were in the ascendancy throughout with summer signing Caragh Hamilton opening the scoring in the fourth minute.
Striker Rachel Rogan had the ball in the net against for the East Belfast side, but this was disallowed for offside, although Kerry Beattie’s second goal on the hour mark did stand.
The Glens – who finished third in last season’s standings – are eyed by many as title favourites this year and this result will go a long way to justifying such claims.
The night got even better for Billy Clarke’s side with the news that Sion Swifts – who missed out on last season’s title to the Blues on the final day – fell to a 2-1 loss at Crusaders.
Just as at The Oval, there was an early strike at Seaview with Amy McGivern giving the hosts – who had lost 2-0 at Linfield on the opening day after a battling performance – an early lead.
Emily Wilson doubled the lead for Spike Hill’s side ten minutes after the break with a delightful chipped finish and despite Northern Ireland international Caitlin McGuinness netting brilliantly into the top corner for Sion in injury time, the Crues held off a late fightback.
Cliftonville secured their first points of the campaign as they ran out 2-0 victors at home to Derry City, who remain at the foot of the table and are yet to register any points.
Michelle McDaid opened the scoring for the Reds just before the break before Northern Ireland international captain Marissa Callaghan – who was also celebrating her birthday – doubled the lead just after the hour mark.
With two rounds of action now completed, Glentoran are the only side on maximum points with Derry City now the only side yet to pick up any points.
In what looks set to be a hotly contested season with just eight more rounds of action remaining, Linfield, Crusaders, Sion and Cliftonville are all now on three points.
Up next:
Wednesday 9 September (8pm)
Derry City v Crusaders Strikers (Brandywell Stadium)
Sion Swifts v Glentoran (Melvin Sports Complex)
Linfield v Cliftonville (Midgley Park)
