Glentoran Belfast United had an excellent league win over Crusaders Strikers at the Oval this evening. The goals were scored by Nadene Caldwell, Rachel Rogan and a penalty from Kelly Bailie.
Crusaders started off the better team putting the Glentoran defence under pressure from the whistle. Crusaders were dominating play with their experienced players taking charge in the centre of the field. The first real opportunity fell to Glentoran with a Mullholland free kick just curling over the crossbar. Glentoran ‘keeper Ashleigh McKinnon was kept busy as Crusaders kept pressing to break the deadlock with link up play coming from Helen McKenna, Wilson and Armour. As the home team settled into the game, it was just before half time when Samantha Kelly delivered a corner into the box where it was met by the boot of Nadine Caldwell firing the ball into the back of the Crusaders net.
HT 1-0
Once again Crusaders were the first team out of the blocks putting Glentoran straight under pressure. Crusaders efforts were rewarded as Emily Wilson gave the away team an equalising goal. The second half continued as the first half ended, with both teams very competitive challenging for every ball. Captain Jessica Foy lead the charge linking with Samantha Kelly until the ball found Rachel Rogan who lobbed the Crusader’s keeper on the rebound allowing the home team to take the lead again. Baxter was replaced by Martin on the 72nd minute. As expected from a Belfast derby, big tackles were flying in from both teams which resulted in Mullholland being cautioned. As the game approached the end Glentoran’s Rebecca McKenna was taken down in the penalty box with Kelly Bailie stepping up to the mark to make it 3-1. Kelly and Rees were replaced by Macklin and McKearney in the closing minutes of the game.
FT 3-1
Starting XI- McKinnon, Foy, Bailie, Guiseppe, Rees, McKenna, Mullholland, Caldwell, Kelly, Baxter, Rogan
Subs- Macklin, Martin, McKearney