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Seven up

Linfield Ladies 1-3 Cliftonville Ladies

Cliftonville Ladies signed off for the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership summer break with their perfect record intact following tonight’s 3-1 victory over Linfield Ladies.

Ahead through Kirsty McGuinness, the Reds were pegged back when Carla Devine drew the hosts level only for a sensational strike from Erin Montgomery to restore their lead ahead of McGuinness’ second of the evening.

Grace McKimm was in the thick of the action early on; bringing a smart save out of Lauren Currie at one end before ensuring Devine couldn’t convert after getting the better of Cliftonville keeper Rachael Norney at the other.

Throughout the opening half, the Reds found themselves under bursts of pressure and were also frustrated going forward when a number of dangerous deliveries just missed their targets in the middle.

As the interval approached, Toni-Leigh Finnegan sent a free-kick wide and Abbie McHenry glanced a header off target before the breakthrough came when a determined run from Caitlin McGuinness ended with sister Kirsty converting.

In the second period, Yasmin White did well to block a goalbound Keri Halliday drive but it wasn’t long until the home side were level; former Reds striker Devine picking her spot when the ball broke inside the box.

Within eight minutes, however, Cliftonville were back in front. After seizing upon possession on the edge of the area, substitute Montgomery – who had been introduced just prior to Linfield’s goal – sent a beauty of a blast into the far corner, giving Currie no chance.

McGuinness then added the third when she rattled in via both the crossbar and post with a clinical effort from a narrow angle to give the Reds the breathing space of a two-goal advantage.

Currie then denied Fi Morgan before Caitlin McGuinness struck a post as Cliftonville went in search of more but there would be no additional scoring as the League leaders – who retain a five-point advantage at the summit – made it seven wins from seven.

Cliftonville: Norney, White, Moran, Morgan, Finnegan, McDaniel, C McGuinness, K McGuinness, McKimm, McHenry, Magee (Montgomery, 51 mins). Unused subs: Welsh, Reilly, Irvine, Madden, Wilton, Campbell.