Glentoran Women’s 5-year domination of the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup came to an end with this semi final defeat at Ballyclare this evening.
There were a number of changes made from last week’s win in Cyprus. Aimee Neal, Jenna McKearney and recent signing Kelly Crompton came into the starting line up with Nadene Caldwell injured and Emily Wilson and Annie Timoney on the bench.
The Glens went a goal behind on 15 minutes to a strike by former Glentoran winger Danielle Maxwell but that lead lasted just 6 minutes before Sarah Tweedie with the diagonal ball to Demi Vance controlled a diagonal ball from Sarah Tweedie, cut inside and drove home from 20 yards with her left foot for her 16th goal of the season.
That’s how the scores remained until the 54th minute when Cliftonville regained the lead when a Kirsty McGuinness shot was deflected home. 13 minutes later it was all over as a contest when Marissa Callaghan beat the Glens offside trap to lob keeper Ashleigh McKinnon from 25 yards.
So a disappointing end to a great run in this cup as all eyes move on to retention of the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership, yet another competition in which we go head-to-head with tonight’s victors.
Glentoran Women: Ashleigh McKinnon, Sarah Tweedie, Jess Foy (c), Aimee Neal, Sofie Keenan, Chloe McCarron, Kelly Crompton, Aimee Kerr, Demi Vance, Jenna McKearney, Rachel Rogan
Subs: Annie Timoney, Kelly Bailie, Megan Neill (for Neal 43), Ellie Butler, Emily Wilson (for McKearney 63), Rachel McIntyre and Kascie Weir (for Crompton 71)
Goalscorer Demi Vance
