Positive Sions

Sion Swifts Ladies 0-1 Cliftonville Ladies

Marissa Callaghan scored the only goal of the game as Cliftonville Ladies maintained their 100% start to the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership season with victory over Sion Swifts Ladies this evening.

Despite boasting four wins from four heading into the contest at Melvin Sports Complex in Strabane, the Reds were pushed all the way by their basement-battling hosts but Callaghan’s first-half strike proved the difference as John McGrady’s side remained five points clear at the top of the table.

The first chance of the evening arrived as early as the opening minute when Louise McDaniel slipped Caitlin McGuinness through, but she steered her effort uncharacteristically off target.

Good work by Abbie McHenry allowed Kirsty McGuinness to set Callaghan up for an attempt that she sent wide but the same player made no mistake when another opportunity came her way on 16 minutes, finishing off with her left foot after Kirsty McGuinness had fashioned some room in a crowded penalty area.

Niamh Connolly sent a shot over the top before ex-Reds forward Michelle McDaid was unable to take advantage of Yasmin White losing her footing and could only blaze high and wide.

Good work from Megan Moran stopped Teegan Lynch from racing through on goal before Callaghan drew a stop from Denise McElhinney at the other end.

The Swifts keeper denied Kirsty McGuinness and Callaghan again before the post prevented Connolly from doubling Cliftonville’s lead.

As the hosts piled on the pressure going into the closing exchanges, the Reds defence held firm but were grateful to see Kelly Crompton head over after rising above Rachel Norney to connect with an 88th minute delivery from the left.

Cliftonville: Norney, Orr, White (Weatherall, 61 mins), Moran (Finnegan, 54 mins), Morgan, McHenry, McDaniel, Callaghan, K McGuinness, C McGuinness, Connolly (McConnell, 73 mins). Unused subs: Davis, Montgomery.