Glentoran finish European campaign with impressive win

Glentoran Women brought their UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign to a winning conclusion with an impressive 4-2 victory over FC Pyunik in Saturday’s third/fourth place play-off at STōK Cae Ras in Wrexham.

After suffering a 4-1 defeat to Riga FC in Wednesday’s semi-final, Kim Turner’s side responded in excellent fashion, recovering from an early setback to secure a deserved victory through goals from Faye Loughran, Gracie Conway (2) and Aimee Kerr.

The opening exchanges were evenly contested before the Armenian champions took the lead in the 22nd minute when Susanna Badalyan found the net.

Glentoran responded positively and threatened through Loughran and Conway before finally drawing level in first-half stoppage time. Loughran reacted quickest inside the penalty area to turn home the equaliser and ensure the sides went into the interval level.

The Glens carried that momentum into the second half and took the lead eight minutes after the restart. Conway finished confidently to complete a well-worked move and put Turner’s side in front.

Conway grabbed her second of the afternoon on 63 minutes, extending Glentoran’s advantage with another composed finish as the Belfast side took firm control of the contest.

A fourth goal arrived seven minutes later when Kerr calmly converted after being picked out by Loughran, capping an impressive attacking display.

Both Caldwell and Kerr came close to adding further goals in the closing stages, but it was Pyunik who had the final say as Karine Yeghyan scored late on to complete the scoring.

The victory ensured Glentoran ended their first UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign since 2023 on a positive note with a confident performance in Wrexham.

Glentoran 4-2 FC Pyunik

Starting XI: McKinnon, Foy, Keenan, Caldwell, Kerr, G. Conway, Vance, McMaster, McLaughlin, Moore, Loughran.

Subs: Butler, Bailie, Rogan, Scott, Maguire, McKearney, D. Conway, Jeffrey, McCarron, Timoney, Crompton.