Three minutes of shambolic defending at the start of the second half cost the reigning champions both their 100% record and place at the top of the table with this defeat at the Blanchflower this evening.
The Glens welcomed back top scorers Kerry Beattie and Emily Wilson who both missed last week’s win over Larne. But it was the visitors who had the first effort tonight through Caitlin McGuinness but it was well saved by Ashleigh McKinnon.
The Reds started the game stronger but Glentoran defended solidly, particularly Sarah Tweedie at right back as much of the attacking was down her side. But after eleven minutes and slightly against the run of play Glentoran took the lead through a magnificent long-range strike from Chloe McCarron after good work on the right flank from Emily Wilson.
The rest of the half was pretty even in terms of possession but the Glens had the best chances – two long range efforts on target from Demi Vance both saved by Norney in the Reds’ goal and another saved from Emily Wilson as the Glens held their lead into the break.
Two minutes after the break and the scores were level. There was a total mix up in the Glens area and an unmarked Caitlin McGuinness took advantage to shoot home. Then almost straight away the lead went to Cliftonville as a high speculative ball into the Glens area was met by Marissa Callaghan who was unchallenged as she sent a high, looping header past McKinnon and home.
The rest of the game resembled the first half and was a poor advertisement for the two dominant sides in the league. The bulk of the chances came from Glentoran through Jess Foy, Joely Andrews and Emily Wilson with the visitors really only having one serious effort from ex-Glens winger Danielle Maxwell. But despite the importance of the game it petered out without any key moments from either side.
This result has Cliftonville as the only team with an intact 100% record and level on points at the top with a game in hand. There is now an international break so next up is a visit to Midgely Park to face Linfield on Friday 26th July.
Good luck to the six of our players who are off to play for Northern Ireland.
Glentoran Women: Ashleigh McKinnon, Sarah Tweedie, Jess Foy (c), Emma McMaster, Aimee Neal, Nadene Caldwell, Chloe McCarron, Demi Vance, Joely Andrews, Emily Wilson and Kerry Beattie.
Subs: Sofie Keenan (for Neal 75), Kelly Bailie, Megan Neill, Kascie Weir (for Andrews 83), Aimee Kerr (for Wilson 83), Jenna McKearney, Rachel Rogan (for Beattie 83).
Photography by PACEMAKER
