League champions Glentoran completed the double by defeating Cliftonville 3-0 in the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup Final in front of 1,700 spectators at Windsor Park.
Cliftonville themselves already had a double of the NIFL Women’s Premiership League Cup and the Co Antrim Women’s Cup but the Glens were to clinch their fifth consecutive Irish FA Women’s Challenge Cup success.
The first half had seen Cliftonville on top, Toni-Leigh Finnegan went close with a 30-yard free-kick, Caitlin McGuinness had a goal ruled out for offside and Kirsty McGuinness was through one-on-one with keeper Ashleigh McKinnon but poked the ball wide.
The Reds had to survive the chaos caused by a Demi Vance corner shortly before the break. Nadene Caldwell headed onto the post before the ball came off defender Louise McDaniel’s head again onto the upright, after which she cleared another Caldwell attempt at goal.
Glentoran took the lead in the 55th minute, Emily Wilson’s cross headed clear by Kelsie Burrows but only to the feat of Kerry Beattie who buried the ball from 12 yards.
It became 2-0 on 77 minutes, Vance delivering after a corner and Emma McMaster’s powerful header going in following a couple of deflections.
Cliftonville’s Marissa Callaghan forced a save out of Ashleigh McKinnon but the Reds’ hopes were dealt a blow with the 85th-minute dismissal of Victoria Carleton for a high tackle on Vance.
Glentoran grabbed a late third goal, when Vance and Kascie Weir down combined to set up substitute Rachel Rogan to slot home.
