The race for the NIWFA Championship honours is definitely heating up, with all three of the top sides keeping up the pace with wins this week.
Larne hit back after St James Swifts’ wonder strike from Molly White, with goals from Amanda Morton and Hollie Johnston tipping the tie in their favour.
There was a remarkable turnaround as league leaders Ballymena United scored three goals in injury time (Zoe McDowell, Chelsea Millar and Olivia Brown) to overcome a stubborn Comber Rec side, who had led through an own goal on 36 minutes.
Foyle Belles were awarded a walk over against Ballymacash with the net outcome from all of those results meaning its Ballymena topping the table on 25 points, Foyle second on 22 with Larne third on 19 – but with a game in hand.
DIVISION ONE
Big wins for Lisburn Rangers and Ballyclare Comrades saw the gap widening at the top at the top with Rangers leading the way on 21 points from 7 games played, the Comrades on 18 points from 8 games played and an eight-point gap now existing between these sides and third placed Belfast Celtic. Star player of the week was Lisburn Rangers’ Eve Reilly, who notched up no less than 10 goals in their heavy defeat of Crewe United.
DIVISION TWO
A 3-1 win for Kilmore Rec over Larne Olympic means that the Rec remain top of the standings. However, Camlough kept on their tails following a win over Ballymena United Seconds. Ballyclare Comrades Reserves defeated St Oliver Plunkett 2-1, with Ballynahinch overcoming Banbridge Town 2-0.
DIVISION THREE
It was tough week for Greenisland with them losing two consecutive leagues games, firstly against Rosario and then again to Antrim Rovers. That victory for Rosario was followed up by a further success over Shamrock – a combination of all of those games meaning that Antrim moved up to third place, on level points with Rosario in the table. It’s still Ballymoney United who lead the standings following a comprehensive win over Belfast Ravens, while Ambassadors overcame Banbridge Rangers 2-1.
DIVISION FOUR
Craigavon won the big game of the week defeating Lisburn Ladies Swifts 3-1, and in doing so opening up a nine-point gap at the top of the table. Strabane remain second following a win over the 22nd Ladies.
DIVISION FIVE
Division Five East is now complete with Lisburn Distillery, Futuro Falcons and Crewe United Reserves making up the top three final places. Lisbellaw, Maiden City and Mid Ulster Reserves did likewise in the Western section. AFter the short summer break, these sides will now move into a combined division to determine the divisional winners.
