Reds’ Rach rewards

Derry City Women 1-6 Cliftonville Ladies

Rachel McConnell rattled in a hat-trick as Cliftonville Ladies maintained their Danske Bank Women’s Premiership title challenge with an emphatic victory over Derry City Women this evening.

McConnell and Erin Montgomery were on target to give the Reds a 2-0 half-time lead at The Brandywell, where McConnell would add another two in addition to further strikes from Montgomery and Caitlin McGuinness ahead of Tara O’Connor registering a consolation for the Candystripes.

McGuinness threatened to break the deadlock after just one minute only to head straight at Clare Friel, who was quick off her line to deny the same player and also gathered a Yasmin White delivery during a busy opening few minutes for the home goalkeeper.

Marissa Callaghan sent an attempt just over the top and Friel again denied McGuinness before McConnell saw an effort ruled out for offside.

She would make amends on 18 minutes, however, with a flicked header from a free-kick delivery by White, who would also provide the assist from which Montgomery powerfully headed home to make it 2-0.

Early in the second-half, Callaghan saw an attempt come back off the post but it would not be long before Cliftonville were three goals to the good; McConnell’s awkwardly-struck volley from another White cross sneaking past Friel.

Montgomery added number four with a well-taken finish from McGuinness’ pass, with McConnell completing her treble with a header after Callaghan had recycled the ball from a wide position.

McGuinness made it 6-0 when she took advantage of some defensive hesitancy to slam into an unguarded goal before Derry pulled one back through O’Connor.

Cliftonville: Norney, White, Davis, Moran, Weatherall (McKimm, 71 mins), McHenry, Callaghan, McConnell (Madden, 82 mins), McDaniel, C McGuinness, Montgomery (Copeland, 84 mins). Unused subs: Finnegan, Reilly.