The NIWFA Carnegie Premiership has new champions with Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers ending the three year dominance of Glentoran Belfast United.
Strikers showed their class to lift the trophy in some style as they brushed aside the challenge of relegation threatened Northland Raiders with a thumping 6-0 win at Brantwood’s Skegonneil Avenue ground
An unfortunate own goal settled the Srikers nerves and the flood gates opened with Terri Harper doubling her tally of goals for the season with a brace.
Helen McKenna also grabbed two with Danielle McDowell completing the scoring.
Across town at Ashfield Boys School Cheryl Lamont’s Glens side ground out a 2-0 win in a real dog fight with Newbridge Predators.
The Glens needed a win to keep their title chances alive had Strikers slipped up.
They duly obliged with goals from Catherine O’Hagan and Rose Todd in a 2-0 win.
However, two defeats at the hands of the Strikers proved decisive with the North Belfast side deserved champions.
A stormy game between Ballymena Utd Allstars and Linfield Ladies at the Billy Neill playing fields saw three players being dismissed and several booked as Ballymena collected the points after a 4-2 win.
Ballymena’s Alison Smyth cemented her position at the top of the leading scorers table by netting all 4 goals for her side.
Rachael Laverty and Katrina Montgomery replied for Alfie McCrory’s side.
The Loughgall Lakers continue to struggle in the top flight and suffered yet another defeat with a resurgent Mid Ulster Ladies collecting the points after a 4-0 win.
An impressive Mid Ulster performance was over shadowed by an injury to Lakers keeper Stacey Hamilton who collided with one of her defenders and was knocked unconscious.
Everyone in the NIWFA wishes Stacey a speedy recovery.
Ruth Brown, Simone Magill, Laura Burton and Michelle Scott were all on target for Noel Mitchells side.
YMCA seem to be doing their best to throw away the Coca Cola Championship after being held to a 0-0 draw by lowly Dromore Amateurs.
However, in fairness the team were far from being at full strength with four of the players attending soccer trials in the USA.
The mid table clash between Larne and the Fermanagh Mallards also ended in a draw.
Goals from Marian Connolly for Larne and an excellent strike from Mallards Louise Thompson gave both teams a share of the spoils.
Second place Cliftonville took on struggling Coleraine with the Reds Louise Irvine scoring all her sides goals in a 3-1 win.
Caroline McNicholl replied for an out of sorts Coleraine.
Donegal Celtic made short of work of Carrick Rangers winning 3-0 win to please manager JP Coogan.
In Coca Cola division 1 St Matthews continue to set the pace although their 4-2 win over Blackieville was not all plain sailing.
The divisions top scorer Maria Sykes was on target once again and was well supported by Rachael Rogan and Linda Kemperman who netted two.
Downpatrick kept up their pursuit of St Matthews with a 1-0 win over relegation threatened Glenavon.
Sara Jess scored the all important goal.
Ronnie McConnell’s Lurgan side look all but relegated with their remaining games looking unlikely to yield many points but the wily McConnell could yet pull off a minor miracle.
Tollymore also recorded a 1-0 win beating Portaferry ladies at Dundrum.
The home side were guilty of missing numerous chances before Clara Fitzpatrick spared their blushes with her third goal of the season.
Knockbreda and Armagh City shared the spoils after a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Both team are still chasing second place with a point of little use to each.
Megan Bothwell netted a brace for Armagh with Zoe Neill and Jo Foy replying for Knockbreda.
In Coca Cola Division 2 there were some high scoring games.
Limavady Ladies thrashed Ballymoney 6-1 at Roe Mill.
Goal machine Rebecca McMullan’s hat trick performance will have pleased manager Joe Doherty as will a double strike from Louise McAllister.
Sharlene O’Hara completed the scoring for lively Limavady with Sirri Topping hitting a consolation goal for a shell shocked Ballymoney.
Struggling Dungoyne travelled to Cheaney Park, Banbridge and put up a brave performance despite losing 5-2.
The three points consolidates Banbridge’s third place in the division with them ready to pounce should either Derry City or Limavady slip up.
The divisions joint top scorer Leola McErlean scored again for the Cappagh Spurs this time in a 2-2 draw with Moyola.
There were goals galore in Coca Cola Division 3.
Bangor Ladies traveled to an understregth Ballyvange and hit nine goals.
Deirdre Savage was in ruthless form as she scored five while Natasha Lee scored the other four in a superb display of attacking football from the North Down side.
1st Bangor Ladies title challenge received a set back when they could only manage a 3-3 draw with Wellington Rec.
Rossglass consolidated their mid table position with a 3-0 win over Ballynahinch Olympic – Natalie Kelly with a brace and Jen Fitzsimmons were on target.
In Coca Division 4 table topping Kilkeel drew 3-3 with Portadown.
Eileen Cullen, Rachael Hall and Aisling McKenna all netted for Portadown with Elaine Orr netting twice and Lyn Johnston scoring for Kilkeel.
In the reserve league Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers hammered Northland Raiders 7-3.
Despite the win the Strikers have a lot of work to catch leaders Glentoran who have 2 games in hand.
Report by Gareth Irvine
