Glentoran stay top as Reds, Blues and Lisburn Rangers win

BBC News

20-06-2025

Glentoran maintained their unbeaten start to the Women's Premiership season with a 5-0 win over Crusaders Strikers. Cliftonville moved into second with a big 8-0 victory at home to Larne, and the Reds are level on points with a Linfield side who defeated Derry City 4-0.Lisburn Rangers claimed derby spoils with a 3-1 win over Lisburn in Friday's fourth fixture. Crusaders started the night in second place but were swept away by an impressive Glentoran side. Northern Ireland striker Kascie Weir opened the scoring in the seventh minute and swiftly added another inside 60 seconds.Nadene Caldwell and Emma McMaster also netted before the break, before substitute Ellie Butler added a fifth in the closing stages at the Blanchflower Stadium.At Solitude, Cliftonville moved into second place with a big win over Larne.The Reds, who are also unbeaten in four matches, opened the scoring through Kirsty McGuinness' effort before Fionnula Morgan doubled the advantage.Carla Devine and Naomi McLaughlin made it four before the break, and former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan added a fifth shortly after the restart.Caitlin McGuinness and Teegan Lynch also got on the scoresheet before Devine grabbed her second and Cliftonville's eighth late on.Linfield scored twice in each half to keep pace with the leading pair. The Blues made a fast start at the Brandywell as Hannah Doherty netted before Eve Reilly scored her sixth league goal of the season. Northern Ireland playmaker Keri Halliday added a third with 20 minutes to play and the in-form Cora Chambers added a fourth. At the Bluebell Stadium, Lisburn Rangers came away with three points in their derby with Lisburn.Rangers took the lead in the 18th minute when Caoimhe Gelston Mulholland netted, but Katherine O'Hare hit back for the hosts.However, Sophie Megaw restored Rangers' lead and Anastasija Stanyte headed home a third with 10 minutes remaining. Glentoran top the table with maximum points from five matches, and are five points clear of Cliftonville, who have played a game less, and Linfield.Crusaders and Lisburn Rangers are a point further back, and Larne are bottom of the table, without a win in their six matches.