Glentoran edged out Crusaders Strikers 1-0 at The Oval last night as Northern Ireland international Kerry Beattie scored the only goal of the game in the 64th minute.
The first half was a cagey affair of few chances, with Glentoran enjoying the lion’s share of possession but struggling to break down a resolute Crues defence.
Beattie finally broke the deadlock for the Glens almost midway through the second half as she got behind the visitor’s back line before calmly slotting home into the corner.
That led to a more open final quarter of the game but it was the Glens who held on for the all important points.
With four games played, the Glens are three points behind leaders Sion Swifts, but with a game in hand, over bottom club Derry City.
Goalscorer Kerry Beattie
Glentoran Women: 30. Jacqueline Burns 2. Annie Timoney 3. Jessica Foy (captain) 5. Aimee-Lee Peachey 6. Nadene Caldwell 9. Rachel Rogan 15, Samantha Kelly 17. Joely Andrews 19. Kerry Beattie 21. Kelly Baillie 26. Caragh Hamilton Subs 1. Ashleigh McKinnon 12. Sarah Connolly 14. Jenna McKearney (not used) 16. Shona Davis 18. Danielle Maxwell (replaced Rogan 57) 27. Shannon Dunne (replaced Kelly 75)