Fri 11 Sep 2026, 22:30
Glentoran Women secured their place in the Irish FA Women’s Challenge Cup final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lisburn Ladies at Solitude.
Gracie Conway struck nine minutes from time to break Lisburn’s resistance and set up a showpiece meeting with holders Cliftonville.
The Glens had defeated the same opposition 4-0 in the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership seven days earlier, but encountered a disciplined and determined Lisburn side on this occasion.
Lisburn created the clearest opportunity of a tightly contested opening half when a dangerous ball across goal found Jemma White, but she was unable to direct her effort beyond Ashleigh McKinnon.
Kim Turner’s side began to take greater control after the interval, dominating possession and forcing Lisburn deeper.
Demi Vance tested goalkeeper Jess Poots before Jessica Foy headed narrowly wide from the resulting corner.
Aimee Kerr then delivered an inviting free-kick towards the far post, but Faye Loughran was unable to steer her effort on target.
With extra-time beginning to look increasingly likely, the Glens finally made their pressure count in the 81st minute.
Substitute Emma McMaster collected possession on the left and delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, where Conway rose to direct the ball beyond Poots and send Glentoran through.
The Glens managed the closing stages professionally to secure a clean sheet and maintain their pursuit of a record-extending 12th Challenge Cup.
They will now face Cliftonville, who defeated Crusaders Strikers 3-0 in the other semi-final, in a repeat of the 2024 decider.
Details of the final will be announced in due course.
Lisburn Ladies 0-1 Glentoran Women
Starting XI: McKinnon, McKearney, D. Conway, Foy (C), Vance, Kerr, Crompton, McCarron, McLaughlin, G. Conway, Wilson.
Substitutes: Rogan, Loughran, McMaster, Weir, Bailie, Caldwell, Moore.
