It’s sweet 16!

Crusaders Strikers 0-1 Cliftonville Ladies

A solitary Danielle Maxwell goal was enough to earn Cliftonville Ladies an historic victory in this evening’s North Belfast Derby at Seaview, where the new Sports Direct Premiership Champions completed a perfect season.

Not only have John McGrady’s side ended their League campaign as Invincibles, they did so with a 100% record, with an incredible 16 wins from 16 fixtures.

The Reds set about their task early on against Crusaders Strikers but, despite going close through Marissa Callaghan, Caitlin McGuinness, Carla Devine and Maxwell, were frustrated to reach half-time without having made the breakthrough.

After the break, a dangerous cross from Orleigha McGuinness caused a little bit of panic among the home backline and, when Maxwell picked up possession wide on the left, she cut back inside and delivered a ball that found its way in at the back post.

Thereafter, Maxwell, Devine and Kirsty McGuinness went close to doubling Cliftonville’s advantage and, after negotiating a nervy spell of injury-time that saw the Crues force two corners, the final whistle confirmed the Reds’ perfect season ahead of captain Kelsie Burrows joining Callaghan in hoisting the Premiership trophy aloft to get the title party started in north Belfast.