The reigning champions started this Sports Direct Women’s Premiership campaign with 3 goals in each half to comfortably see off Crusaders in their first game in their new home at the Blanchflower Stadium.
The Glens started brightly but it was 23 minutes and a combination of Northern Ireland internationals combined to give the hosts the lead. A super right wing run by Emily Wilson against her former team followed by a low cross was met by Joely Andrews who sidefooted home.
The second also involved an international duo and came 5 minutes later when a delightful long through ball from Nadene Caldwell found Demi Vance in acres of space. Demi made no mistake with a great finish.
Glentoran then took a 3-goal lead into the break when recent signing Aimee Neal powered a looping header in from a left-wing corner.
Head Coach Kim Turner introduced last season’s top scorer Kerry Beattie at the restart and she was back on the scoresheet almost immediately. Demi Vance played a pass to Kerry in the Crusaders box but Kerry was hauled down by Beth Chalmers. Beattie made no mistake from the spot.
Long serving striker Rachel Rogan was introduced as an 80th minute substitute and it proved very fruitful as on 89 minutes she stylishly finished an Andrews cross for the Glens’ fifth goal. Rogie then completed the scoring in injury time with an identical sidefooted finish from a Vance Cross.
So a strong start to the campaign against last season’s third placed team. Next up is an away game v Sligo Rovers in the final group match in the Avenir All Island Cup. Next league game is on Friday 24th May when we entertain Mid Ulster Ladies at the Blanchflower.
Glentoran Women: Ashleigh McKinnon, Jenna McKearney, Jess Foy (c), Emma McMaster, Aimee Neal, Nadene Caldwell, Chloe McCarron, Demi Vance, Joely Andrews, Kascie Weir, Emily Wilson Neill
Subs: Sofie Keenan (for Neal 62), Kelly Bailie (for McKearney 80), Megan Neill, Aimee Kerr (for Caldwell 70), Rachel McIntyre, Rachel Rogan (for Foy 80), Kerry Beattie (for Weir 46)
Photography by JOHNNY CALDWELL