Glentoran Women were beaten 3-1 by Cliftonville in Monday night’s Sports Direct Women’s Premiership meeting at Solitude.

Gracie Conway gave the Glens the lead early in the second half, but a Teegan Lynch double turned the game in the hosts’ favour before Louise McDaniel added a third to secure the points.

The result leaves Kim Turner’s side five points behind the league leaders, although the Glens still have a game in hand following their recent UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign.

The opening half was a closely contested affair, with both teams well organised and opportunities limited.

Glentoran came close through Nadene Caldwell, whose effort found the side-netting, while Ellie Scott produced an excellent save to tip Vicky Carleton’s overhead kick onto the crossbar before Kirsty McGuinness struck the post from a free-kick.

The Glens made the breakthrough four minutes after the restart. Mia Moore showed great determination down the right before delivering a low cross which Conway expertly turned beyond the goalkeeper to give the visitors the lead.

Cliftonville responded on 58 minutes when Lynch converted after Glentoran were unable to fully clear a cross into the penalty area.

The hosts edged in front five minutes later as Caitlin McGuinness’ low delivery was met by Lynch, who finished confidently from close range.

Glentoran looked to respond and almost found an immediate equaliser when Caldwell’s excellent pass released Conway, but her effort drifted narrowly wide.

Cliftonville added a third with 10 minutes remaining when McDaniel collected a cross-field pass, drove into the penalty area and finished beyond Scott.

Attention now turns to the Glens’ next Sports Direct Women’s Premiership fixture as Turner and her squad look to respond.

Cliftonville Women 3 – 1 Glentoran Women

Glentoran Women: Scott; Loughran, Foy, Keenan (Rogan 82), Caldwell, Kerr, Crompton, McKearney (McLaughlin 75), Moore, Gracie Conway (Wilson 75), Vance.

Unused substitutes: Bailie, Daisy Conway, Maguire, Timoney.