Cliftonville Ladies retained the Irish FA Women’s Challenge Cup by easing past Linfield Women in the decider in Belfast tonight.
First half goals from Caitlin McGuinness and player of the match Fi Morgan were enough for the Reds to secure the trophy for a second year in a row.
The NIFL Women’s Premiership runners-up, who also won the League Cup earlier this season, were always in control in front of 1330 spectators at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.
The cup holders from north Belfast started the final on the front foot.
In the opening stages Naomi McLaughlin fired a shot inches past the post, while Reds keeper Rachael Norney comfortably gathered an effort from Linfield attacker Cora Chambers as the Blues applied some pressure.
Cliftonville attacker Kirsty McGuinness whipped in a free-kick that drifted off target.
On 17 minutes Linfield striker Eve Reilly fired in a shot which deflected off a couple of Reds defenders. Jodie Loughrey pounced on a clearance but her shot sailed over the top.
Vicky Carleton had a go from the edge of the penalty area, however the Cliftonville midfielder’s shot went wide.
Cliftonville opened the scoring in the 29th minute. Abbie Magee fed the ball to the feet of Caitlin McGuinness and the striker instantly swept the ball past Blues keeper Lauren Currie. It was a tidy finish.
The Reds continued to push forward. Kirsty McGuinness produced a low drive which was off target.
A pinpoint Kirsty McGuinness delivery from a corner found Teegan Lynch, who steered her header just past the post.
Cliftonville doubled their lead on 38 minutes. Kirsty McGuinness fired a free-kick into the centre of the penalty area where Fi Morgan rose superbly to head the ball home from 11 yards.
Lynch put a header over the bar, while down the other end Reilly’s low shot was clutched by Norney.
Linfield upped the tempo after the break, but the first chance of the second half fell to Kirsty McGuinness who blasted a shot inches wide of the upright.
There was a lengthy delay as Linfield’s Jodie Loughrey received treatment following a clash of heads. She left the field on a stretcher.
When play resumed Blues attacker Rhianna Breen unleashed a shot which was grabbed by Norney.
On 79 minutes Chambers swivelled inside the area and produced a low drive that was just off target.
A Megan Bell snapshot hit Carleton on the line as the Blues pushed forward, and then Blues defender Hannah Doherty fired a free-kick over the bar.
The Reds had three chances in quick succession. Substitute Carla Devine headed against the crossbar before Caitlin McGuinness’s glancing header dropped past the post. And Kirsty McGuinness blasted a shot over the bar.
Bell whipped a lovely cross into the danger zone but Linfield substitute Eva Myles guided her header past the upright.
And that was the last meaningful action of the match.
Prior to the final it was confirmed that both Cliftonville midfielder Marissa Callaghan (91 caps for Northern Ireland) and Linfield stalwart Ashley Hutton (115 caps for Northern Ireland) have retired from playing competitive football.
Cliftonville Ladies: Rachael Norney, Kelsie Burrows (captain), Aoibhe O’Neill, Orleigha McGuinness, Fi Morgan, Abbie Magee, Teegan Lynch, Vicky Carleton, Caitlin McGuinness, Naomi McLaughlin, Kirsty McGuinness.
Substitutes: (used) Carla Devine, Katie Markey, Lydia Thompson; (unused) Aoibheann Watt (GK), Molly Gallagher, Aisling Anderson, Orlaith McCrory.
Linfield Women: Lauren Currie, Zoe Knox, Hannah Doherty, Sarah-Jane McMaster (captain), Abi Sweetlove, Keri Loughrey, Jodie Loughrey, Megan Bell, Eve Reilly, Rhianna Breen, Cora Chambers.
Substitutes: (used) Charlotte Havern, Jennifer McDade, Eva Myles, Mia Fitzsimmons; (unused) Rebecca Bassett, Tara Kerr, Jodie McQuillan.
Action from the final
