Monday 26 Jul 2021

Premiership sides dominate Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup quarter-finals

NIFL Danske Bank Women’s Premiership teams ruled the roost in the quarter-finals of this season’s Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup.

The cup dreams of Carnmoney Ladies, Lisburn Rangers, St James’ Swifts and Mid Ulster Ladies were shattered by Glentoran Women, Cliftonville Ladies, Crusaders Strikers and Sion Swifts Ladies respectively.

Premiership leaders and cup holders Glentoran defeated Carnmoney Ladies 7-0 at the Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey.

Northern Ireland internationals Emma McMaster (two), Casey Howe (two), Chloe McCarron and Kerry Beattie all scored for the east Belfast side, while striker Rachel Rogan also grabbed a goal against the NIWFA Division 2 team.

Cliftonville, who are breathing down the Glens’ neck in the league title race, won away from home in the last eight of the competition, too.

Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan was the star of the show as she bagged a hat-trick for the Reds in a 4-2 victory against Lisburn Rangers, who also play in NIWFA Division 2.

Her international team-mate Louise McDaniel was the other scorer for Cliftonville, while Lisburn Rangers, who put in an impressive performance at Stanley Park, scored through Caoimhe Mulholland (penalty) and Eve Reilly.

The all-Tyrone clash in Cookstown between Mid Ulster Ladies and Sion Swifts Ladies was dominated by the Premiership team.

Kerry Brown was the hat-trick hero for Sion, while Erin Fildara grabbed two and Cora Chambers and Zoe McGlynn one apiece against their NIWFA Championship opponents.

At Seaview another Northern Ireland international, striker Emily Wilson, was on target as the Crues eased past NIWFA Championship outfit St James’ Swifts on a 4-0 scoreline.

She was, however, outshone in the scoring stakes on the night by Lisa Armour, who netted twice, while Kirsty Cameron hit the back of the net as well.