This remarkable Glentoran Women squad completed a wonderful fortnight and season at the National Stadium last night as this ultimately convincing win over Cliftonville gave them their fifth consecutive Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup and their third league and cup double in four seasons.
Kim Turner made just one change to last week’s starting line up with Sarah Tweedie returning at right back so the Glens started out with the team that took them undefeated to the league title and to this final.
The Reds probably started the game better and has the ball in the Glens net after 30 minutes when striker Caitlin McGuinness tucked home a Marissa Callaghan pass from close range. However the goal was disallowed as the flag was already up for offside.
Another McGuinness sister, former Glens striker Kirsty, almost immediately afterwards beat the offside trap but was distracted by Glens keeper Ashleigh McKinnon and her effort went just wide of the target. This incident proved to be a major turning point in the game as the teams stayed even at half time.
The Glens started the second half much more positively and broke the deadlock on 55 minutes. The opener had a very familiar look about it. Nadene Caldwell sent Emily Wilson free on the right. Her cross was headed out by a Reds defender but only as far as the lethal Kerry Beattie who took a touch and made no mistake with an unstoppable drive home from 12 yards. This was Golden Boot winner Beattie’s 36th goal of the season, an outstanding return from a player who’s still just 21.
While the Glens’ lead didn’t look in danger the nerves of supporters weren’t eased for another 20 minutes when Demi Vance received a short corner from Joely Andrews. Vance’s cross deep into the box was met by Emma McMaster whose header somehow made it through a crowded box to deflect off a Reds defender into the net. Another good Cup Final for Emma who scored the only goal of the 2019 final.
Things got a bit spicy after this and former Glens winger Vicky Carleton was shown a straight red five minutes before the end for a high and two footed lunge on Demi Vance.
The game was completely put to bed in the final minute of normal time. Vance played a pinpoint pass across the field to 17-year-old sub Kascie Weir. Weir made a direct run into the Cliftonville box before slipping a lovely pass back to Rachel Rogan who made no mistake. Rogie then hit first time past Reds keeper Norney for her own tenth goal of the season.
If you’re going to end the season on a high, a 3-0 win over the league’s other top team is the way to do it. No squad could deserve it more than this one.
Glentoran Women: Ashleigh McKinnon, Sarah Tweedie, Jess Foy (c), Emma McMaster, Annie Timoney, Nadene Caldwell, Demi Vance, Chloe McCarron, Joely Andrews, Kerry Beattie, Emily Wilson
Subs: Jenna McKearney (for Tweedie 86), Kelly Bailie (for McMaster 90), Megan Neill, Rachel McIntyre, Kascie Weir (for Wilson 78), Rachel Rogan (for Beattie 86), Maeve McConaghy
Photography by Johnny Caldwell
