Glentoran Women suffered their first defeat of the 2025 season as Waterford claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory in Sunday’s All-Island Cup clash at Blanchflower Stadium.

A first-half strike from Dan Burke ultimately proved the difference between the sides, despite a strong second-half performance from the Glens, who were left frustrated after striking the woodwork twice across an entertaining contest.

The hosts almost made the perfect start when Issy Walsh’s defensive header looped dangerously towards her own goal, only for the crossbar to come to Waterford’s rescue before the visitors cleared their lines.

Glentoran continued to threaten in the opening stages, with Maeve Williams producing a smart save to deny Sofia Keenan, while Anna Gornell was forced into a goal-line clearance moments later as the pressure mounted.

At the other end, Ellie Scott was called into action to make two excellent saves in quick succession from Fiana Bradley and Jess Lawler as Waterford gradually settled into the game.

The breakthrough arrived on 16 minutes when Bradley’s dangerous inswinging corner caused problems inside the area, with Burke reacting quickest to stab home from close range.

The Glens responded positively after the interval and enjoyed their strongest spell of the afternoon, with Georgia Conway, Caitlin Rogan and Nadene Moore all testing Williams as the home side searched for a route back into the game.

Despite sustained pressure, Waterford’s defence remained resolute, while Scott was required again late on to deny Bradley and keep the deficit at a single goal.

There was heartbreak for Glentoran deep into stoppage time when Kelly Bailie’s dangerous delivery crashed back off the crossbar, summing up an afternoon where the Glens were unable to find the breakthrough their performance deserved.

Glentoran 0-1 Waterford

Glentoran Starting XI: Scott, Loughran, Foy (C), Keenan, Caldwell, Kerr, Vance, Rogan, G Conway, Weir, Moore.

Substitutes: McKinnon, D Conway, Timoney, Bailie, Maguire, McKearney, Butler, Crompton, Maguire, Gardner.