Linfield won 1-0 at Crusaders Strikers to go equal top with Glentoran in the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership.
Glentoran have a match in hand on Linfield, while Crusaders have an interesting North Belfast derby this Wednesday against Cliftonville and with only a few games remaining, this makes the race for the 2020 title very interesting, reports Rosie McKee.
Strikers started vigorously with a burning desire to avenge the defeat to Linfield at the start of the season, but the visitors were equal to it.
Linfield showed their experience by lifting the tempo near the end of the first half. Crusaders Strikers defended stoically and seemed to have it under control. However, Linfield’s Abbie Magee was showing her class by making more space and an impressive solo run was only stopped by Julie Nelson.
In stoppage time, Abbie Magee dashed down the wing and crossed an inch perfect delivery into the middle of the box and Alison Smyth was unmarked and placed the ball into the corner of the net.
The second half started with a flurry of yellow cards, one to Strikers’ Holly Johnston and then Linfield’s Magee.
Nelson nearly levelled with a long distance free kick but her shot was just over the crossbar and the last shot of the match was by Crusaders’ Lisa Armour but saved by Linfield’s keeper.
Strikers will be frustrated with no points but Linfield will be happy to join the leaders at the top of the Danske NIFL table, ahead of facing Sion Swifts.
