Linfield, Crusaders Strikers and Lisburn Ladies all picked up three points away from home in the Sports Direct NIFL Women’s Premiership.
Linfield were the biggest winners on the night, coming from a goal down to knock eight past Derry City. Clarah Quigg’s 20th-minute opener brought a Ebony Leckey hat-trick in response before the break. Carla Devine decided to emulate that with a superb hat-trick of her own – all in a blistering five-minute spell before the hour – while Rebecca Bassett and Mia Fitzsimmons also found the net as the visitors ran out comfortable winners.
Crusaders swept to a five-goal victory over Mid Ulster, Morganne Beggs kicked the scoring off on four minutes with a super finish from the edge of the box, followed by an Amy McGivern volley from a similar distance. Beth Chalmers powered home a bullet header early in the second half, with further goals coming from Jess Rea and Cora Morgan.
Lisburn collected their second win of the campaign after coming from behind to get the better of Ballymena United. Megan Henry had fired the Sky Blues in front on 20 minutes with a fine strike from inside the box, but Vivienne McCormack hit back for the visitors from close range right at the end of the first half. Then, around the hour mark, Aisling Cull edged Lisburn in front for the first time before Stacey Murdough made sure later in the game.
The action continues on Friday evening when Larne welcome Cliftonville to Inver Park, while it’s third against first as Sion Swifts host leaders Glentoran at the Melvin Sports Arena. Both games kick-off at 7:45pm.
