1 month ago
Glentoran were the comfortable 3-1 victors over Linfield at the Oval in the first round of the County Antrim Shield, while holders Carrick Rangers exited after being defeated by Crusaders after a penalty shootout.
Jordan Jenkins struck twice inside the opening six minutes to hand the home side a dream start in east Belfast before Charlie Chapman's early second-half strike threatened a Linfield fightback.
The Blues could not find a way back level after Cal Weatherup restored the home side's two-goal advantage.
At Seaview, Jacob Blaney and Owen Wardell gave the Crues a comfortable lead before an impressive final five minutes from the holders forced the tie to be decided on penalties.
However, Declan Caddell's side were the 5-4 victors in the penalty shootout to book their spot in the next round.
#victors #home #side
Jordan Jenkins struck twice inside the opening six minutes to hand the home side a dream start in east Belfast before Charlie Chapman's early second-half strike threatened a Linfield fightback.
The Blues could not find a way back level after Cal Weatherup restored the home side's two-goal advantage.
At Seaview, Jacob Blaney and Owen Wardell gave the Crues a comfortable lead before an impressive final five minutes from the holders forced the tie to be decided on penalties.
However, Declan Caddell's side were the 5-4 victors in the penalty shootout to book their spot in the next round.
#victors #home #side
2 months ago
Irish Premiership
Crusaders 2 - 1 Ballymena United FT
Crusaders claimed their first points of the Irish Premiership season as they came from behind to beat Ballymena United 2-1 at Seaview.
Ballymena took the lead from the first meaningful attack of the game on 10 minutes after the hosts failed to clear the ball inside their penalty area.
Defender Kurtis Forsythe made a good initial block but Ballymena reacted quickest to the loose ball, with Igor Rutkowski steering a shot into the bottom corner of the net.
#premiership #seaview
Crusaders 2 - 1 Ballymena United FT
Crusaders claimed their first points of the Irish Premiership season as they came from behind to beat Ballymena United 2-1 at Seaview.
Ballymena took the lead from the first meaningful attack of the game on 10 minutes after the hosts failed to clear the ball inside their penalty area.
Defender Kurtis Forsythe made a good initial block but Ballymena reacted quickest to the loose ball, with Igor Rutkowski steering a shot into the bottom corner of the net.
#premiership #seaview
3 months ago
Glenavon say they have agreed to "move forward amicably" with the Northern Ireland Football League [NIFL] after meeting with CEO Gerard Lawlor.
In June, NIFL said it was "working closely" with Crusaders after the Seaview club were placed under a transfer embargo by the Irish FA over a breach of regulations.
Michael O'Connor's side were relegated to the Championship after finishing bottom of the Irish Premiership, eight points and one place below Crusaders.
In response to Crusaders' embargo, Glenavon said they had appealed to NIFL and the Irish FA "to seek further clarification from them regarding the circumstances surrounding the transfer embargo imposed on Crusaders".
On Friday, the Lurgan Blues said that co-chairperson Lawrence Looney and vice-chair Cathal Morrison met with NIFL chief executive Lawlor for "open, honest and confidential discussions" over the matter.
In June, NIFL said it was "working closely" with Crusaders after the Seaview club were placed under a transfer embargo by the Irish FA over a breach of regulations.
Michael O'Connor's side were relegated to the Championship after finishing bottom of the Irish Premiership, eight points and one place below Crusaders.
In response to Crusaders' embargo, Glenavon said they had appealed to NIFL and the Irish FA "to seek further clarification from them regarding the circumstances surrounding the transfer embargo imposed on Crusaders".
On Friday, the Lurgan Blues said that co-chairperson Lawrence Looney and vice-chair Cathal Morrison met with NIFL chief executive Lawlor for "open, honest and confidential discussions" over the matter.
3 months ago
Cliftonville captain Kelsie Burrows said that their emphatic Women's League Cup win against Glentoran "is a real good start" in their quest to win a domestic treble.
The Reds won the trophy for a fourth year in a row courtesy of a 4-0 victory over the Glens at Seaview.
Caitlin McGuinness scored twice with sister Kirsty and substitute Danielle Maxwell also finding the net as Brendan Lynch's side sent out a signal of intent against the Women's Premiership champions.
"Everyone is delighted. We wanted to come out here and press Glentoran as much as we could and we knew where their weaknesses were and the quality players that we have," Burrows said.
"We get the ball into Caitlin and she knows where the net is. Her pace and quality on the ball is brilliant.
The Reds won the trophy for a fourth year in a row courtesy of a 4-0 victory over the Glens at Seaview.
Caitlin McGuinness scored twice with sister Kirsty and substitute Danielle Maxwell also finding the net as Brendan Lynch's side sent out a signal of intent against the Women's Premiership champions.
"Everyone is delighted. We wanted to come out here and press Glentoran as much as we could and we knew where their weaknesses were and the quality players that we have," Burrows said.
"We get the ball into Caitlin and she knows where the net is. Her pace and quality on the ball is brilliant.
3 months ago
Cliftonville and Glentoran are back in the Women's League Cup final at Seaview in a repeat of last year's thrilling decider.
The Reds came from behind to triumph 4-2 against the Glens to win the competition for a third year in a row.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides who sit first and second in the Women's Premiership table in the current campaign and it promises to be an intriguing battle as always.
Ahead of Sunday's final, BBC Sport NI looks at all you need to know about both teams.
Cliftonville began their defence of the trophy with a 3-1 away win against Derry City in April with Carla Devine netting twice either side of a Caitlin McGuinness goal.
The Reds came from behind to triumph 4-2 against the Glens to win the competition for a third year in a row.
This will be the first meeting between the two sides who sit first and second in the Women's Premiership table in the current campaign and it promises to be an intriguing battle as always.
Ahead of Sunday's final, BBC Sport NI looks at all you need to know about both teams.
Cliftonville began their defence of the trophy with a 3-1 away win against Derry City in April with Carla Devine netting twice either side of a Caitlin McGuinness goal.
