Linfield increased their lead over Crusaders in the NIFL Danske Bank Women’s Premierahip on Wednesday, as the leaders beat Portadown while Strikers went down at home to Cliftonville.
Linfield net nine
Linfield put nine goals past a Portadown side who have still to get off the mark.
Alison Smyth and Louise McDaniel struck in the first 10 minutes, with McDaniel then doubling her tally and Chloe McCarron making it 4-0 by the break.
Smyth scored twice in 10 minutes to complete her hat-trick, Sarah Haddock, Kirsty McGuinness and Megan Bell later adding one each.
Linfield have the chance to go seven points clear when they visit Sion Swifts on Friday evening.
Cliftonville closing in on Crusaders
Cliftonville are within two points of Crusaders with as many games in hand, after winning 3-1 away to the second-placed side in the North Belfast derby.
Marissa Callaghan’s goal had the visitors ahead at half time and the same player found the net again after the interval.
Shannon Grattan came off the bench to make it 3-0, with Strikers then getting a consolation goal.
Glens share points with Swifts
Glentoran stayed fourth ahead of Sion after holding them to a 2-2 draw away from home, despite the Swifts twice taking the lead.
Hannah Ward got a 25th-minute opener but this was cancelled out via a set-piece on 38 minutes by Sarah Connolly.
Chloe McGlade restored the home advantage 10 minutes into the second half, only for Rachel Rogan to reply.
