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Glentoran Women 1-0 Crusaders Strikers

Thu, 29/04/2021 - 00:11

League Champions Glentoran (holders of all four senior trophies in Northern Ireland) got off to a successful start to their defence of the Danske Bank Women's Premiership at the Oval tonight. A second goal from Northern Ireland international Danielle Maxwell  was enough to see off resistance from the Crues.

In a lively opening encounter at the Oval Glentoran Women edged past Crusaders Strikers thanks to a second half goal by Danielle Maxwell to secure the three points. A scrappy start saw the Glens dominate early possession with the ball moving through the midfield corridors and then into the wide channels to utilise the pace of Maxwell and new signing Casey Howe. Good early work between Maxwell and Foy down the left forced a corner well cleared by Crusaders full-back Armour. Kelly and Rogan linked well to create a shooting opportunity from distance that didn’t trouble Harvey-Clifford in the Crusaders goal. Kelly remained busy and tenacious in the central midfield area with some penetrating runs that were unable to breach a strong Strikers defence marshalled by the composed and assured Julie Nelson at its centre. Great close control and a sharp turn from Beattie on 40 minutes worked an opportunity to fire a cross from the left flank across the six-yard area that was easily claimed by Harvey-Clifford. Towards the end of the first half the Glentoran defence was called into action following mounting Strikers pressure and a succession of well-taken Holly Otter corners. Just prior to the whistle a Glentoran break saw Andrews and Foy combine well to force a corner for the home side that was once again easily dealt with by the commanding Harvey-Clifford. Half-time 0-0.

Early second half Glentoran pressure signalled a desire to convert possession and territory into goals for the home side. A clean strike from Andrews from just outside the area was well held by Harvey-Clifford. A quicker paced contest now developed with the Glens injecting more pace into their forward play. Maxwell’s clever turn followed by a jinking run inside found Andrews whose clean touch set up the unmarked Howe inside the box. Howe’s shot narrowly shaved the upright.  The introduction of Nadene Caldwell into the central midfield area for the hardworking Rogan was pivotal in increasing the home side’s energy levels and attacking intent.

Midway through the half the deadlock was indeed broken after an accurately delivered Andrews ball into the box was converted from close range by Maxwell to give the Oval women a deserved lead. With the Glens still aiming to increase their advantage and put the game beyond their opponents, there was a clear opportunity to further extend the home side’s lead when Beattie broke away and looked likely to score as she advanced on goal only for the alert Harvey-Clifford to smother a tame shot. A more open game now saw Crusaders look livelier in the latter stages with some dangerous Wilson runs in the final third as the Strikers aimed to pull level. McMaster and Bailie were instrumental in quelling the Crusaders threat with some excellent interceptions and confident play out of defence. Crusaders’ best chance came on 77 minutes when a teasing Wilson cross was met by substitute Boyle’s goal-bound header which was cleared by Caldwell for a corner. Late subs saw Dunne and McMaster replace Kelly and Master for the Glens and McClaren and Rae replace Archibald and McDowell for the Strikers. In the final stages Crusaders captain Julie Nelson took up a more advanced role in an attempt to breach the solid Glentoran defence, but to no avail as Glens keeper McKinnon punched clear a long distance free-kick from the veteran stalwart. All in all, an entertaining game and a deserved victory for the reigning champions.

Glentoran Women: 1. Ashleigh McKinnon 2. Annie Timoney 3. Jessica Foy (captain) 4. Emma McMaster  9. Rachel Rogan 15, Samantha Kelly 17. Joely Andrews 18. Danielle Maxwell 19. Kerry Beattie  21. Kelly Bailie 28. Casey Howe   Subs 6. Nadene Caldwell (for Rogan)10. Ali McMaster (for Emma McMaster)14. Jenna McKearney  27. Shannon Dunne (for Kelly)

Photography by Johnny Caldwell