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Early strike brings knock out clean sweep for Glens Women

Sun, 22/09/2019 - 01:01

Glentoran Women defended their Electric Ireland Women's Challenge Cup crown with a 1-0 win over Linfield Ladies on Saturday night.

In what was a repeat of last year's final, Emma McMaster's early goal proved the defining moment in the showpiece decider.

A long-range strike from Demi Vance wasn't gathered by Linfield goalkeeper Lauren Perry, and McMaster reacted quickest to poke the ball home.

The win saw the Glens add the Irish Cup to their Co Antrim Shield and League Cup successes this season, completing an impressive trophy treble.

For Linfield, it ended any hopes of the double - but they are just one game away from clinching the Danske Bank Women's Premiership title.

Emma McMaster scores the only goal of the game

Glentoran took the lead in the fifth minute. Vance tried her luck  with a powerful shot from all of 35 yards that was parried into the air by Blues keeper Perry.

The ball bounced inside the six-yard area and McMaster pounced to force home the rebound.

Vance was at it again moments later with another long-range effort that was deflected behind for a corner.

Goalscorere Emma McMaster and Player of the Match Samantha Kelly celebrate the winner

Kelly Bailie then had a chance for Glentoran Women as they continued their bright start to the final.

Linfield Ladies responded with Casey Howe unfortunate not to get enough of a touch on Caitlin McGuinness' cross.

Linfield had the ball in the net in the second half but it was ruled out for offside, compounding their frustration on the night.

Glentoran Women had another let-off when Regan Lehman almost turned the ball into her own net when attempting to clear, the ball bobbling just past the post.

Linfield tried to muster a late equaliser but were reduced to speculative efforts.

And it wasn't long before the final whistle sounded, sparking wild scenes from the Glentoran squad as they celebrated another Irish Cup win.

Glentoran:  Emma Higgins, Jessica Foy (captain), Emma McMaster, Makayla Mulholland, Demi Vance, Rachel Rogan, Samantha Kelly, Kelly Bailie, Jessie Davis, Malin Forssner, Regan Lehman.

Subs : Ashleigh McKinnon, Ali McMaster (replaced Bailie), Joely Andrews (replaced Vance), Kerry Beattie (replaced Kelly), Yasmin White.

Match Report by Gareth Fullerton, belfastlive.co.uk

Photographs by Andrew McCarroll, AMPhotographyNI