Pipped at the post

Cliftonville Ladies were frustrated by the woodwork more than once in slipping to a 2-1 defeat to Crusaders Strikers in this afternoon’s Danske Bank Women’s Premiership encounter at Seaview.

After falling behind to Morganne Beggs’ opener, the Reds’ first interaction with the frame of the goal came when Kerry Taggart saw an effort smash against the underside of the crossbar.

It wouldn’t be long until the North Belfast Derby scores were level, however, when former Crues favourite Clare Carson (pictured) converted following some great work by Roise Thompson.

Shortly after half-time, Cliftonville found themselves behind again when McGivern converted a rebound to restore the Strikers’ advantage.

Marissa Callaghan went close to making it 2-2 with an effort that was eventually dealt with by the keeper before twice seeing late efforts strike the post as the Reds were repeatedly denied a late point.