Champions Glentoran Women eased to a three-goal win at Sion Swifts thanks to a 15-minute hat-trick from striker Kerry Beattie.
The Northern Ireland international hit a quickfire treble between the 63rd and 78th minute to secure Billy Clarke’s side the points - the equivalent fixture last season saw the only match in which the Glens dropped points in a shortened campaign, when they went down to a 4-3 loss.
The first half was a cagey affair with few clear-cut openings for either side, before the game was decided by Beattie’s goals.
After opening the scoring just after the hour, the 18-year-old struck again just a couple of minutes later to tap home her second before claiming the match ball when she connected with a cross into the box after the Glens had made the most of the space that had opened up at the back following a period of Sion pressure.
Glentoran Women: 1. Ashleigh McKinnon 2. Annie Timoney 3. Jessica Foy (captain) 4. Emma McMaster 6. Nadene Caldwell 9. Rachel Rogan 15, Samantha Kelly 17. Joely Andrews 18. Danielle Maxwell 19. Kerry Beattie 21. Kelly Bailie 28. Casey Howe Subs 10. Ali McMaster (for Rogan) 14. Jenna McKearney (For Caldwell) 22. Cara Mervyn 24. Lauren Wade 26. Caragh Hamilton
Hat trick hero Kerry Beattie