Seven up at Solitude

Cliftonville Ladies 7-1 Linfield Ladies

Cliftonville Ladies roared through to the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup semi-finals with a commanding victory over Linfield Ladies at Solitude tonight.

Toni-Leigh Finnegan, Danielle Maxwell, Caitlin McGuinness (2), Kirsty McGuinness, Grace McKimm and Erin Montgomery were all on target in a 7-1 success that was chalked up without the services of the inspirational Marissa Callaghan, whose wedding to new wife Paula took place earlier in the day.

Having put six without reply past Mid Ulster Ladies on Monday, the Reds sought another fast start this evening and, after Louise McDaniel had gone close from distance, Finnegan struck to break the deadlock.

The Blues almost drew level in unlikely circumstances soon later when Kirsty McGuinness’ defensive header had to be repelled by goalkeeper Nicole Adams, but it wasn’t long before the ball was in the net at the other end with Maxwell doing the damage.

That’s how it stayed until half-time, after which Cliftonville set off on a goal spree.

Caitlin McGuinness squeezed an effort in at the near post for 3-0 and sister Kirsty added the fourth before McKimm stormed in to make it five.

Rebecca Bassett quickly pulled one back for Linfield but the Reds restored their margin of advantage through Caitlin McGuinness ahead of substitute Montgomery wrapping things up.

Cliftonville: Adams, White, Burrows, Moran, Finnegan, Maxwell, McDaniel, C McGuinness, K McGuinness, McKimm, Carleton. Subs: Murphy, Reilly, Markey, Irvine, Campbell.