The new Sports Direct NIFL Women’s Premiership campaign produced 26 goals across five games, including defending champions Cliftonville’s impressive three-goal defeat of Linfield.
Marissa Callaghan fired the Reds in front from the spot midway through the first half, Kirsty McGuinness doubling up five minutes after the break after receiving the ball from Louise McDaniel. Callaghan then completed the scoring with ten minutes remaining with her second penalty, after Abbie Magee had been brought down.
Glentoran were runners-up last term and began this one by thrashing Derry City 11-0, Demi Vance opening the scoring with a long range effort with barely a minute on the clock. Vance later completed her brace, Kerry Beattie and Emily Wilson also at the double.
Sion Swifts had a 7-0 win over newly-promoted Larne, Cora Chambers nettings the first hat-trick of the season, Tara O’Connor-Farren the second after the interval.
Ballymena United made their return to the top flight after a seven-year absence, going down 3-0 to Crusaders Strikers. Morganne Beggs’ fifth-minute goal was added to by Aimee-Lee Peachy and Darcy Boyle.
Lisburn led Mid Ulster with Stacey Murdough’s early effort, but Eimear McGarrity grabbed a last gasp equaliser for the visitors.
