Glentoran will meet Crusaders Strikers in the final of the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup at Windsor Park on 15 October.
Glentoran, holders since 2018, continued their defence of the trophy despite falling behind to a strike from Cliftonville’s Kirsty McGuinness strike around the half-hour mark. However, Emma McMaster levelled just before the break with her first goal of the season.
The Reds might have regained the lead early in the second half from the spot but McGuinness’ penalty was well saved by Ashleigh McKinnon who dived to her left to keep the scores even.
And it proved to be a pivotal moment in the game when, with less than 20 minutes remaining, Lauren Wade knocked home what the winner.
A goal early in each half handed Crusaders victory over Sion Swifts.
Lisa Armour opened the scoring on three minutes with a header from a corner, but Erin McLaughlin levelled for Sion just before the break.
But the winner for the Strikers arrived on 49 minutes in spectacular fashion from Jessica Rea who sent a screamer into the top corner from outside the box.
đź—Ł MATCH REACTION & HIGHLIGHTS | Hear from goalscorer @LaurenW17 & coach Stephen Murray as @Glentoran Women reach the final of the @ElecIrelandNI Women’s Challenge Cup 🏆 #GameChangersNI pic.twitter.com/8oDTecdb8x
— Irish FA (@IrishFA) August 27, 2021
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