The long-awaited Electric Ireland NIWFA Championship top-two clash between Lisburn Rangers and Ballyclare Comrades did not take long to explode into life.
It only took 17 seconds for Rangers’ Tierna Bell to break the deadlock but the Comrades equalised with a superb strike from Aimee Kerr. They then had to level the game for a second time through Molly Weir, after Ellie-Mae Dickson had struck for Lisburn. Molly Loughran restored Rangers’ lead and a fourth from Caoimhe Mulholland secured them a 4-2 win.
Both Lisburn Rangers and Ballyclare then had second games this week, with both securing comfortable wins against Foyle Belles and Belfast Celtic respectively. Bangor saw off Comber Rec 2-0 thanks to strikes from Emilia Quinlan and Amber Dempster.
It’s as you were in Division One with the top three sides – St.Oliver Plunkett, Camlough Rovers and Larne Olympic – all securing victories to leave SOP seven points clear.
The gap at the top of Division Two narrowed as leaders Ballymoney were held 3-3 in a cracking game with Ballyclare Comrades Reserves, thanks to a leveller deep into injury time from the Comrades. Greenisland made sure they capitalised on the leaders slip-up by defeating Rosario to close the gap at the top to only four points. Elsewhere, Ambassadors defeated the Belfast Ravens and Ballymena United Reserves eased home against Portadown.
Division Three leaders Strabane Atheltic benefitted from the three points awarded to them from a walkover this week after Lisburn Ladies Swifts were unable to field a side, although second-placed Craigavon kept on their heels with a thumping win over the 22nd Ladies. Banbridge Town defeated Moneyslane and Dromara Village drew 1-1 with Shamrock.
Draperstown Celtic were the surprise package in Division Four this week, defeating the previously highflying Maiden City in a result which sees leaders Lisburn Distillery and second-placed Lisbellaw United open up a six point gap at the top, after both sides had comfortable wins. In the division’s final game there was victory for Mid Ulster Reserves.
Antrim Town kept up their 100% record with another win in Division Five to lead the way from Ballymoney United Reserves, who also won. Belfast Celtic Reserves completed the results with a win over First Bangor
Bloomfield continue to storm their way through Division Six following a comfortable win over Belfast Swifts, which saw them retain their eight-point gap at the top. Elsewhere there were wins for Donegal Celtic, Ballynahinch Olympic and St Marys.
There were wins this week for both of the top sides in the Development League, those results meaning that leaders Valley Rangers remain three points clear of Oxford Sunnyside.
