Sion Swifts top the NIWFA Championship going into the mid-season break, following a fine 3-0 victory over Ballymena United with three late goals.
The game looked set to end without a goal but on 87 minutes, Zoe Green broke the deadlock for the hosts. This was then followed up by two strikes in injury time from Cache Crumlish-Hawes. The result left a serious dent in Ballymena’s aspirations for a speedy return to the Premiership, with the Co.Antrim side now eight points off the pace.
St James Swifts remained two points behind the leaders when winning 3-0 at Comber Rec, thanks to goals from Anna Whibley, Chloe Doak and Katierose Rice.
Third-placed Bangor also kept themselves well in the hunt after easily disposing of basement side Foyle Belles 11-1, Amber Dempster leading the way with a hat-trick which takes her up to 25 league goals for the season.
Belfast Celtic scored four first-half goals through Cathy Kelly, Roisin Bolger, Niamh Adams and Katherine O’hare, Camlough Rovers replying with a Leanne Domican double after the break.
Ballyclare Comrades drew with St.Oliver Plunkett thanks to a late leveller. Niamh McGonigle’s goal saw SOP lead for most of the game, only for Deborah McCarthy to secure a point on 88 minutes.
After brushing aside Rosario, Greenisland made it ten wins from ten to open up an eight-point lead in Division 1. Ambassadors dropped points in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Ballyclare Comrades Reserves, Ballymoney leapfrogging them into second with a win at Ballynahinch. Armagh City’s recent return to form continued with a fine win at Kilmore Rec.
It is as you were in Division 2, as both Strabane Athletic and Craigavon City managed straightforward victories over Ballymena United Reserves and 22nd Ladies respectively. Strabane go into the break three points clear of Craigavon, although City have a game in hand. Elsewhere, Lisburn Ladies Swifts defeated Banbridge Town.
Division 3 leaders Lisbellaw returned to action with a win at Carrick Rangers Falcons, meaning they remain seven points clear. Second-placed Belfast Ravens edged home against Mid Ulster Reserves, with Maiden City staying in third place after defeating Portadown. In the basement battle, Ballymoney Reserves brushed aside Dromara Village who are now 13 points from safety.
Antrim Town and Raceview stay joint top of Division 4 after both recorded fine away wins, over Moneyslane and Ballynahinch Olympic respectively. Lisburn Rangers Reserves and Belfast Swifts were also victorious.
Valley Rangers enter the break with a five point advantage at the top of Division 5, following a hard fought win at St Marys. The sides were level 0-0 at half time but a second half blitz by Rangers saw them eventually winning 4-0. Elsewhere, there were victories for Ards Rangers and Oxford Sunnyside, with Shorts and Rathfriland drawing 2-2.
In Division 6 there were comprehensive wins for league leaders Greenisland Seconds, Carrick Rangers Falcons II and First Bangor Ladies, with Wellington Rec receiving three points after Bloomfield were unable to complete their fixture.
The only game in the Development league this week saw Hanover defeating Ballynagross 4-1
Round up by Colin Hopkins
