Cliftonville made it 10 wins from 10 games as they extended their lead in the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership with a four-goal victory over Linfield.
Cliftonville 4-0 Linfield
Crusaders Strikers 2-1 Sion Swifts
Lisburn 2-0 Mid Ulster
The Reds took advantage of Glentoran not playing – due to the Glens’ Champions League commitments this week – to move eight points clear at the top of the standings, although the North Belfast side have played one game more.
Caitlin McGuinness – one of eight former Linfield players in the Reds starting line-up – scored a superb hat-trick for John McGrady’s side, Marissa Callaghan added a fourth from the penalty spot as Linfield finished the game with 10 players following Rebecca Bassett’s red card.
Across North Belfast at Seaview, Crusaders Strikers leapfrogged Sion Swifts into third spot with a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
The deadlock was broken halfway through the second half by Rachel McLaren’s long-range strike although Teegan Lynch grabbed an equaliser five minutes later.
Amy McGivern restored the home side’s lead with ten minutes remaining and despite Lisa Armour’s dismissal, the Strikers secured all three points.
Lisburn continued their impressive debut season in the top-flight as they recorded a two-goal victory at home to Mid Ulster.
Stacey Murdough gave the hosts an early lead before Abbie Burnett made safe of the points with a second with four minutes remaining on the clock.
