Glentoran Women fell to their first defeat of the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership season on Friday night, as Cliftonville edged a hard-fought encounter 2-0 at the Blanchflower Stadium.
In a close game between two sides expected to be in the title mix once again, it was the Reds who found the breakthrough early in the second half and added a late second to take all three points.
After an even first half with limited chances, Cliftonville took the lead five minutes after the restart through Caitlin McGuinness. The forward latched onto a throw-in, held off Glentoran debutant Faye Loughran, who had just been announced as a new signing from Lisburn Rangers, and sent a powerful effort past Ashleigh McKinnon from distance.
The Glens created their best chance midway through the second half when Rachel Rogan went close to an equaliser, her effort coming back off the post after good work from Nadene Caldwell and Demi Vance in the build-up.
As Glentoran pushed forward in search of a leveller, they were caught out two minutes from time when Naomi McLaughlin found space on the edge of the box and finished well into the far corner.
There was late frustration after the final whistle as Cliftonville captain Kelsie Burrows was shown a red card following an incident involving Rogan, with Reds coach Brendan Lynch also dismissed.
Glentoran remain in a strong position, second in the table, just one point behind leaders Linfield and two clear of Cliftonville, with both the Glens and the Reds holding a game in hand.
Full-Time: Glentoran Women 0–2 Cliftonville Ladies
Photograph by Johnny Caldwell
Photograph by Johnny Caldwell