Conn and done it

Niamh Connolly made the difference as Cliftonville Ladies kicked the new season off with a 1-0 win against Linfield Ladies at Solitude tonight.

Beginning their defence of the County Antrim Cup, Martin Douglas’ side – who beat the Blues in last year’s Final – made safe progress to the last-eight courtesy of Connolly, who reacted to convert the rebound after Marissa Callaghan’s free-kick had been parried.

Following the victory, Rachel McConnell (pictured) collected the Player of the Match award from Co Antrim FA rep David Lynn as the Reds – whose new Danske Bank Women’s Premiership schedule kicks off next week – set up a Quarter Final date with East Belfast on Monday, May 20.