Sweet smell of sixcess!
Cliftonville Ladies 6-0 Glentoran Women
Cliftonville Ladies claimed the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership title in scintillating style, roaring to a sensational 6-0 victory over Glentoran Women at Solitude this evening.
Having won all 14 of their prior League outings this term, the Reds only needed a draw to be crowned Champions – but there was never any mission of John McGrady’s girls settling for a point as they sought to reclaim the trophy with a commanding display in the Belfast rain.
They took the lead on 20 minutes when Danielle Maxwell crossed for Kirsty McGuinness to nod home and Cliftonville were in dreamland soon later when Kirsty’s younger sister Caitlin was on the end of another Maxwell delivery to make it 2-0.
Maxwell got the goal her first-half performance deserved when she stroked home number three just a few minutes before the break, but there was still time for Kirsty McGuinness to further extend the Reds’ advantage prior to the interval.
Four to the good and knowing that only a five-goal swing in the Glens’ favour would deny them the title, Cliftonville demonstrated no appetite for resting on their laurels in the second period and duly pulled 5-0 in front 13 minutes after the restart when a handling offence allowed Marissa Callaghan to net from the penalty spot.
Katie Markey put the seal on things in injury-time, with the final whistle sparking an almighty party among players, staff and supporters alike – and one that will rumble on until next Friday night when the Champions are presented with their trophy after facing Crusaders Strikers at Seaview.