To the Max

Ballymena United Women 0-6 Cliftonville Ladies

Danielle Maxwell struck a hat-trick as Cliftonville Ladies picked up three points against Ballymena United Women to narrow the gap at the top of the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership.

The first of two games in hand the Reds hold over Glentoran Women, two quickfire strikes from Toni Leigh Finnegan put John McGrady’s side in control before Maxwell – who had provided the assist for both of those efforts – struck a treble ahead of the half-time interval.

Claire Shaw emerged from the bench to make an instant impact by scoring number six, leaving Cliftonville six points behind the Glens with three matches still to play.

Both teams are in action on Sunday, when a Glentoran victory over Crusaders Strikers would see them crowned Champions, however anything less than that for the east Belfast side would keep the Reds in the hunt, assuming they emerge on top from a tricky away day with Sion Swifts Ladies earlier in the day.