Linfield returned to the top of the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership in dramatic fashion as two late goals saw them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Crusaders Strikers.
Spike Hill’s Crues had twice taken the lead at Midgley Park through Jessica Rea and Amy McGivern, with a brief leveller from Blues captain Kirsty McGuinness sandwiched in-between.
However, substitutes turned the game in Linfield’s favour late on with Casey Howe levelling before Caitlin McGuinness – sister of Kirsty – gave the Blues a late and decisive lead.
Phil Lewis’ side are now back on top of the table as they move three points clear of Glentoran – having now played the same number of games – who do not play this week ahead of their League Cup final with Sion Swifts on Friday night.
Cliftonville strengthened their grip on a top four spot as they ran out two-goal victors against a struggling Derry City.
The Candystripes have just one point and one goal from their opening nine league games and were without a raft of first-team players for the visit of the Reds.
Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan was again the star for the North Belfast side, netting both goals either side of the break in the victory.
The Reds opened the scoring in the 12th minute after a succession of corners – Callaghan made the most of space on the left and her shot was too hot to handle.
Derry did show some promise as the half progressed and Kate Patton was starting to find space in behind the Cliftonville back line.
However, the Reds held firm and midway through the second half Callaghan grabbed her second – her left-footed effort flying past Derry goalkeeper Molly McBride.
