Ballymacash Young Ladies and East Belfast both went through to the Northern Ireland Women’s FA League Cup 3rd Round on penalties.
East Belfast made it through to round three of this season’s competition with a penalty shoot out victory over Mid Ulster following a 2-2 draw. The home side’s goals in normal time came courtesy of a Jessica Magee double with East’s goals coming from Kerry Eddis & Leanne Waters.
Portadown defeated Banbridge Town 4-0 thanks to some great goals from Tina Brush, Megan Nelson, Connie Doran and Megan Newell.
Crewe United’s topsy-turvy season continued with a 0-4 cup defeat at the hands of the impressive Foyle Belles, for whom Katie Hargan netted twice with the other goals coming from Ellie Redden and Eva Ferguson.
Lisburn continued their super start to the new campaign with another great win, this time 3-1 in the cup at Lurgan Town. Sara Stevenson continued her rich goal-scoring form giving Lisburn the lead only for Jessica Pugh to level the game. Further strikes however from Jessica Hall and Rachel Kerr ensured the Lisburn side made it into the third round.
Belfast Celtic were rewarded for making the long trip to take on Coleraine with a comfortable 8-0 win, in which Amy Burden bagged a brace.
Ballymacash Young Ladies also made it through to round three however they had to rely on a penalty shoot out win versus Larne Olympic after a hard fought 3-3 draw. Olympic lead through Francesca Agnew only for the ‘cash to bounce back through goals from Chelsea Meehan and a Chloe Glover penalty. Laura Aicken then levelled the game 2-2, Lauren Gibson’s strike made it 3-2 to Ballymacash but Larne’s youngsters battled hard and deservedly drew level again through a late own goal.
It was a lot easier for Ballymoney who cruised home 14-0 against Belfast Ravens, Keri Haliday with a double hat-trick, Cleo-Neece Taggart netting a treble.
Ambassadors made a fine start to competitive play this season, 4-1 versus Dromara Village thanks to goals from Rachel McAdoo (x2) Lucy Redmond and Catherine McAdoo.
Camlough Rovers cruised through defeating Carnmoney 9-1, their scorers being Ellen McCartney (4), Olivia Connolly (3) and Leanne Domican (2).
An amazing nine-goal blast from Megan Henry saw Ballymena United also wallop Shamrock 13-0.
Bangor eventually got their season up and running with a fine 3-1 success over Belfast Swifts, Barthe McCormick scored twice and Claire Oakley once, Tammy Rose McKinney replying.
St James Swifts are also in the hat for the next round thanks to two Siobhan Bell penalties which helped them to gain a 4-2 win over Carnmoney Athletic.
Meanwhile, in league action….
Electric Ireland – Division 2a
Foyle Belles made it three league wins from three games played on Friday night thanks to a superb 3-0 victory over second placed Larne.
Belfast Celtic continued their winning ways with 6-0 win at Portadown, the main protagonist in this one being Leola McFarlane who scored a hat-trick.
Electric Ireland – Division 3b
Rosario YC comfortably picked up three points defeating St Oliver Plunkett Reserves 8-0 thanks to a four goal haul from Erin Watson.
Ballymoney recorded their third consecutive league win when defeating Antrim Rovers 11-2, Cleo-Neece Taggart led the way with six, Keri Halliday hit three goals.
Killen Rangers Reserves also notched a big score, defeating Belfast Ravens Seconds 12-0.
Round-up by Colin Hopkins.
