Flower power!

Glentoran Women 0-2 Cliftonville Ladies

Cliftonville Ladies roared to a vital Sports Direct Women’s Premiership victory over Glentoran Women at Blanchflower Stadium this evening.

Having lost to the east Belfast outfit on League duty just over a fortnight ago, the pressure was on the Reds to maintain their title challenge – and second-half goals from Caitlin McGuinness and Naomi McLaughlin ensured they did just that.

Linfield Women lead the standings ahead of second-placed Glentoran, with the Reds – who hold a game in hand over the Blues – now just three points off the pace at the summit having outlined their determination to retain the trophy they won in such style last season.

Having threatened through Carla Devine and Abbie Magee during a first-half that also saw goalkeeper Rachael Norney prove her worth, Cliftonville broke the deadlock four minutes after the turnaround when McGuinness worked some space for herself outside the area and rifled home.

The same player almost doubled the visitors’ advantage in similar circumstances soon later only to see her shot cannon back off the post, but the Reds got the security strike they were after two minutes from time when McLaughlin – who was earlier today named June’s Premiership Player of the Month by the NI Football Writers’ Association – picked her spot with a sweet effort from distance.