The holders survived a tricky period in the second half to clinch their place in the semi-final of the Toals’ County Antrim Cup tonight at Midgeley Park tonight.
Glentoran went in a goal ahead at the break despite dominating play in the first half. The only early chance falling to Nadene Caldwell, but her penetrating run was blocked by Lauren Currie in the Blues’ goal. But despite dominating possession, the Glens were up against a packed and effective defence for most of the half.
The deserved breakthrough came on 17 minutes. Demi Vance and Joely Andrews shared a well worked short corner and from the final ball into the box, Emma McMaster was well placed to finish the move. The Glens nearly made it two right on the half time whistle but ex-Glentoran keeper Currie made a great save from a Caragh Hamilton effort.
The game seemed to be made safe immediately after the break when Emily Wilson – whose pace and directness on the left flank tortured the Linfield defence all evening – turned and shot home from just inside the Linfield box to make it two with her seventh goal since rejoining the club in close season..
On the hour mark Linfield scored to reduce the gap. A long, speculative ball caused uncharacteristic panic in the Glentoran defence and Mia Moore lobbed Ashleigh McKinnon for the goal. Three minutes later another mix up nearly led to an equaliser.
The game settled down after this and the Glens finally made the game safe on 78 minutes when Nadene Caldwell got on the end of a long, looping free kick to head home at the far post.
Glentoran Women will now face Crusaders Striker on Monday 12th June. Venue to be confirmed.
Glentoran Women: Ashleigh McKinnon, Annie Timoney, Jess Foy (c), Emma McMaster, Demi Vance, Nadene Caldwell, Chloe McCarron, Caragh Hamilton, Joely Andrews, Kerry Beattie, Emily Wilson
Subs: Sarah Tweedie, (for Timoney 80), Jenna McKearney, Rachel Rogan (for Beattie 80), Rachel McIntyre (for Andrews 76), Kascie Weir
Photography by Johnny Caldwell
