Glentoran Women showed impressive character to fight back from two goals down and claim a deserved 2-2 draw against Linfield Women in Friday night’s Sports Direct Women’s Premiership clash at Midgley Park.

Kim Turner’s side found themselves trailing midway through the first half, but goals either side of the interval from Demi Vance and Mia Moore completed an excellent comeback to earn a valuable point in the Belfast derby.

Linfield made the brighter start and opened the scoring after 12 minutes when Cora Chambers’ long throw caused problems inside the penalty area, allowing Megan Bell to react quickest and fire into the far corner.

The hosts doubled their advantage on 35 minutes through Sophie McKnight. Eve Reilly flicked on a long ball into the winger’s path and McKnight drove into the penalty area before finding the bottom corner with a composed left-footed finish.

The Glens responded immediately. Just a minute after falling two goals behind, Mia Moore delivered an inviting cross from the right and Gracie Conway’s deft flick found Demi Vance, who was on hand to apply the finishing touch from close range and halve the deficit before the break.

Glentoran carried that momentum into the second half and deservedly restored parity after 64 minutes. Vance’s dangerous free-kick caused problems inside the Linfield box before Kelly Crompton kept the attack alive, allowing Moore to react quickest and acrobatically turn the loose ball home from close range.

The Glens continued to look for a winner during the closing stages, but both sides ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils in an entertaining encounter at Midgley Park.

Linfield Women 2 – 2 Glentoran Women

Starting XI: Scott; Loughran, Foy, Keenan, Caldwell, Kerr, Vance, G. Conway, Moore, McKearney, Crompton.

Subs: McKinnon, McMaster, Rogan, Butler, D. Conway, Bailie, Timoney.