Glentoran Women produced a dominant performance at Solitude on Tuesday evening to secure a deserved 2-0 victory over Cliftonville Ladies and move to the top of the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership.

Goals from captain Jessica Foy and winger Demi Vance either side of the break sealed a sixth straight league win for Kim Turner’s side to maintain their perfect start to the league campaign.

Coming into the game off the back of a frustrating exit from the All-Island Cup and the League Cup final defeat to the Reds, Glentoran arrived in North Belfast with a point to prove.

The visitors started brightly and were unfortunate not to go ahead early on when Emily Wilson struck the crossbar from close range. Moments later, Vance picked out Mia Moore with a dangerous cross, but the forward’s finish drifted just wide of the target.

Glentoran’s pressure told just after the half-hour mark. A free-kick from Sofie Keenan found Foy in space inside the area and the skipper showed great control before finishing neatly into the bottom corner.

Cliftonville responded after the break and created two good chances to level. Ashleigh McKinnon produced a smart save low to her right to deny Fi Morgan, while Marissa Callaghan went close with a driven shot that flashed narrowly wide.

But it was Glentoran who struck next on 55 minutes. After neat build-up play on the right, Moore turned the ball into the path of Vance, who cut inside and calmly swept home Glentoran’s second.

From there, the Glens managed the game superbly, maintaining defensive discipline and controlling possession to see out a vital win in the title race.

The result lifts Glentoran two points clear of Linfield Women at the top of the table with a game in hand, and five clear of Cliftonville in third.

Full-Time: Cliftonville Ladies 0–2 Glentoran Women

Photography by Ash Magill

Photography by Ash Magill