NIWFA Weekly Review 14 - 20 August
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
In a week that was tinged with sadness for everyone involved with the NIWFA following the tragic passing of NIWFA player Molly White it is pleasing to report that all of our clubs took the opportunity to pay tribute to Molly by participating in a minutes silence ahead of all of our matches.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Ballymena United have secured promotion to the NIFL Danske Bank Premiership following a comfortable 5-1 win over Ballymacash at the Bluebell Stadium. Hannah Firth and Megan Henry had given United the perfect start with early goals in this one with Firth adding her second and Michelle McDonald and Olivia Brown adding further strikes before Deborah McCarthy pulled one back for the hosts.
United join Larne Ladies in securing promotion with Larne’s 7-0 win at Killen (goals by Amanda Morton (x 4), Hollie Johnston (x2) and Leola Mcerlane) also seeing them picking up three points to stay level at the top of the table with United with both sides level on 34 points. The final week of fixtures coming up this week see Ballymena and Larne go head to head in a massive clash at the Ballymena Showgrounds which will decide the winners of the 2022 NIWFA Championship.
In the Championships final game this week Comber Rec romped home against Coleraine 7-0 with five goal Shannon McCullough being the star of the show with the Rec’s other goals coming from Ashleigh Scott-Brown and Lucy Carville.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
Following Lisburn Rangers promotion to the Championship last week the celebrations this week moved to Ballyclare Comrades who also confirmed their promotion thanks to a 2-0 win at Belfast Celtic. Rangers themselves brushed aside Portadown to keep their 100% record intact with Bangor and Crewe battling out a 3-3 draw in the division’s final game.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
Wins for Camlough Rovers and Kilmore Rec over St Oliver Plunkett and Banbridge Town this week ensured both sides will be promoted next season with Camlough also securing the Division Two title, well done to both sides. Elsewhere in this division Ballynahinch defeated Ballymena Utd Seconds and Larne Olympic overcame their Co.Antrim rivals Ballyclare Comrades Resereves.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
Ballymoney United Ladies are the champions of Division Three following their fine 3-1 victory at Antrim Rovers earlier in the week with Ambassadors making the most of this result by defeating Greenisland to leapfrog the Rovers and move into second place in the standings. Highlights from the Ballymoney v Antrim game are currently available to view on our social media with highlights from the Ambassadors v Greenisland game to be online shortly. In the only other game played in this division this week Belfast Ravens had a narrow over Rosario FC.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
Strabane Athletic scored an important win at Moneyslane and have now put themselves within touching distance of promotion along with Craigavon City who guaranteed promotion last week. Elsewhere Dromara Village won the basement battle by overcoming Ballymoney United Reserves 3-2 at the Joey Dunlop Centre.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE A
Maiden City (v Futuro Falcons) and Lisbellaw (v Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves) both won this week and in doing so ensured that their clash this week will determine the Division 5a league winners this season. In the Division’s other game Lisburn Distillery returned to winning ways with a win at Crewe United Ladies Reserves.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE B
The Division 5b title has also still to be settled as Comber Rec Ladies Reserves host Draperstown Diamonds to decide the league winners on Thursday night both sides unbeaten going into this one. And finally Antrim Rovers Reserves picked up a fine win on the road defeating First Bangor Ladies 2-1.
NIWFA Weekly Review 7 - 13 August
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Inver Park was in celebration mode this week as Larne Ladies picked up the required three points to defeat Ballymacash Rangers Ladies 2-0 (thanks to goals from Holly Robinson and Hollie Johnston) and in doing do ensuring their promotion to the NIFL Premiership next season. Everyone within NIWFA congratulates Larne Ladies and wishes them well for next season.
Elsewhere Foyle Belles had a comfortable 3-0 win over Comber Rec thanks to two goals from Abby Alexander and a strike from Bronagh Dunne whilst St James racked up the goals to easily defeat Killen 12-0 with goals coming from all over the park in that one with doubles from Amber Dempster, Siobhan Bell, Chloe Doak, Aimee Johnston well supported by single strikes from Lauren Smyth, Cathy Kelly, Lauren Mulligan and an og.
In the Divisions final game Ballymena Utd received a walkover win from the proposed game v Coleraine Ladies
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
There was also cause for celebration in Division One this week as Lisburn Rangers easily swept aside Bangor Ladies to ensure promotion to the NIWFA Championship for next season. Once again congratulations from all within NIWFA to Lisburn Rangers.
In the Divisions only other game this week Crewe United Ladies came out on top in a high scoring encounter against Armagh City and the good news is that the goals from this one are available to view elsewhere on our social media.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
Camlough Rovers proved their worth as league leaders in Division Two this week as they brushed aside the challenge of Banbridge Town Ladies whilst in the divisions other game this week St Oliver Plunkett Ladies had a great win away to Ballymena United Reserves. Camlough are now three points ahead of second placed Kilmore Rec however Kilmore have a game in hand.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
Leaders Ballymoney United dropped their first points of the season as Rosario held them to a battling draw a result which suited Antrim Rovers who leapfrogged Rosario and moved into second place in the table following a comprehensive win over Banbridge Rangers.
Elsewhere there were wins for Greenisland and Ambassadors who defeated Shamrock ladies and Belfast Ravens respectively.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
There were more celebrations in Division Four this week as Craigavon City Ladies (pictured) defeated Strabane Athletic and in doing so ensured they would be crowned Champions of Division Four.
Elsewhere Lisburn Ladies Swifts moved into joint second place following their win away to Ballymoney Reserves whilst the 22nd Ladies edged home in a high scoring game at Clarendon Park against Moneyslane with highlights from this game to follow on our social media shortly.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE A
And finally two defeats in seven days, this time to Maiden City Ladies, have all but ended Lisburn Distillery’s hopes of winning Divison 5a. That result sees Maiden City move to the top of the division however second placed Lisbellaw do have a game in hand.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE B
In Division 5b Draperstown Diamonds and Comber Rec Reserves kept up their 100% record with wins over First Bangor and Antrim Rovers respectively whilst Raceview Ladies had a comfortable home win over Antrim Rovers.
PWC SUPER CUP QUARTER FINAL
And finally St James Swifts are through to the semi finals of this seasons PWC Super Cup following a 5-0 win over Ballyclare Comrades however with the Comrades hitting the woodwork on four occasions the game was a lot tighter than that score line suggests. Amber Dempster scored all five goals for the Swifts and highlights from this game can also be found on our social media.
NIWFA Weekly Review 31 July - 6 August
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
It’s as you were in the Championship with the league’s top two sides Ballymena United and Larne both picking up important wins this week. Larne couldn’t stop scoring against a struggling Coleraine Ladies with Hollie Johnston being the top gun netting five strikes and being ably assisted by Leola McErlane (x 4), Georgia Crawford (x 2), Teah Maguire, Aimee Beggs and Mollie Moore.
Ballymena were also amongst the goals winning 4-1 against Foyle Belles and in doing so seriously damaging the Derry based sides hopes of promotion. United’s goals came from Beth Hunter, Olivia Brown, Hannah Firth and Kyle Doherty with Foyle’s sole reply from Ellie Redden. These results leave Ballymena and Larne level at the top of the table on 28 points some six points clear of third placed Foyle.
Elsewhere St James won easily at Comber Rec with Claire Shaw being the player of the match netting four times along with Cathy Kelly (x 2) and Amber Dempster as they won 7-1. Comber’s late consolation came from Ana Cabecinha.
And in the divisions final game Killen Rangers and Ballymacash drew 1-1 with Amy Vennard equalising for the home side after Tracey Orr had given the visitors an early lead.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION 1
There’s no stopping Lisburn Rangers in Division 1 with another comfortable win this week, this time it was Armagh City ladies who were their victims. With nearest rivals Ballyclare Comrades not in action this week this win takes Rangers 6 points clear at the top of Division one. In the divisions only other game this week Bangor Ladies and Belfast Celtic battled out a 1-1 draw.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION 2
The top of the table clash in Division 2 between Camlough and Kilmore Rec turned out to be a crazy goalfest with Camlough winning 9-6! This result means the two sides are now level at the top of the table on 27 points each.
Elsewhere in this division SOP edged home over Larne Olympic, Ballynahinch overcame Ballyclare Comrades Reserves and Banbridge Town had a good win over Ballymena Utd Seconds.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION 3
In Division 3 a slip up by Rosario, who were held by Ambassadors, meant that the comfortable win by leaders Ballymoney United over Antrim Rovers saw the Co Antrim based side open a seven point gap at the top of the division.
Greenisland had a strong win at Banbridge Rangers and the final game between Shamrock and Belfast Ravens ended in a high scoring draw.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION 4
The nine point gap at the top of this table remained this week as leaders Craigavon City swept aside the 22nd Ladies. There were also comfortable wins for Lisburn Ladies Swifts and Moneyslane who defeated Dromara Village and Ballymoney United Reserves respectively.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION 5A
Something had to give in Division 5a this week as the Divisions two unbeaten sides Lisbellaw United and Lisburn Distillery met at New Grosvenor Stadium. As it turned out it was the Fermanagh based side that came out smiling from this one winning the game 2-1 thanks to a late strike from Hannah Woods. The highlights from this game are available to view elsewhere on our social media page.
In the divisions other games Futuro Falcons defeated Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves and Maiden City saw off the challenge of Crewe United Reserves.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION 5B
In Division 5b its Comber Rec Ladies Reserves and Draperstown Diamonds who lead the standings on 6 points each following wins over First Bangor and Belfast Ravens Reserves. The division’s final game saw Antrim Rovers Reserves and Raceview Ladies drawing blanks in a 0-0 draw.
NIWFA Weekly Review 24 - 30 July
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
The return to Championship football this week threw up one massive shock as league leaders Ballymena United were trounced 7-1 by St James Swifts in a result which saw Larne ladies draw level with United at the top of the league standings. St James were in devastating form as they inflicted United’s biggest league defeat of the season thanks to goals from Cathy Kelly (x 2), Siobhan Bell (x 2 ), Claire Shaw, Rachel Dennison and an og from Chelsea Millar. United’s consolation came from Megan Henry.
As already stated Larne Ladies made the most of United’s slip up to move level at the top of the Championship table after defeating fellow league challengers Foyle Belles 4-0 at Inver Park through goals from Leola McErlane (x 2), Teah Maguire and Francesca Agnew. Foyle now find themselves three points behind joint leaders Larne and Ballymena United.
At the other end of the table Coleraine Ladies continue to struggle although they battled hard before eventually losing 0-4 to Ballymacash Rangers with the goals in that one coming from a Tracy Orr double and strikes from Deborah McCarthy and Chloe Glover. Highlights from this game will be online over the weekend.
And in the Championships final game this week Killen’s long journey to Comber Rec was worthwhile as they won 2-1 thanks to a late strike from Emma Kee on 85 minutes. Earlier on in the game Lucy Carville had given the hosts the lead only for Lauren McCann to level for the visitors.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
League leaders Lisburn Rangers had no game this week with nearest placed Ballyclare Comrades making the most of this situation to close the gap at the top of the table to three points following a comfortable win over Crewe United Ladies. In the divisions other games Belfast Celtic won at home to Armagh City with Bangor Ladies also picking up three points after a win over strugglers Portadown Ladies.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
It’s as you were in Division two with the two pace setters Kilmore Rec and Camlough Rovers both winning their respective games against Ballymena Utd Reserves and Ballyclare Comrades Reserves. In the divisions other scheduled game Larne Olympic were awarded a walk over with the net outcome from this week meaning Kilmore are six points clear from Camlough at the top of the table although the Co Down based side do have a game in hand. The top two meet one another this incoming week.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
League leaders Ballymoney United continued to show their class with a thumping win over Greenisland Ladies at Glenkeen Avenue and their week was made even better as their nearest challengers Antrim Rovers and Rosario could only pick up one point each as they battled out a 2-2 draw. Elsewhere there were comfortable wins for Belfast Ravens and Ambassadors Ladies.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
There were wins for each of the top three in Division Four as Craigavon City defeated Ballymoney Reserves, Lisburn Ladies Swifts defeated Moneyslane and Strabane were awarded a walk over victory. Craigavon now lead this division by nine points although second placed Strabane do have a game in hand.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Division Five returned this week with a new format as the top three sides from the Eastern and Western sections combined to form Division A with the lower three sides from each section making up Division B. The sides now play each other once more to decide the eventual league winners.
Getting off to a great start in Division A were Lisburn Distillery Ladies, Lisbellaw and Maiden City all of whom picked up three points in their opening games. Lisbellaw and Distillery are both unbeaten so far in their respective leagues this season but with the two sides due to meet next week something will have to give. Maiden City’s victory over Mid Ulster Ladies reserves will feature online on our highlights shortly.
Meanwhile in Division 5B there were wins for Draperstown Diamonds, Comber Rec Reserves and First Bangor Ladies.
PWC SUPER CUP QUARTER FINALS
And finally this week there were also two PWC Super Cup quarter finals played early in the week with all credit to third division Antrim Rovers who pushed Championship side Foyle Belles all the way to extra time before eventually succumbing to a goal from Ellie Redden in the 103rd minute of play. Larne Ladies won the other quarter final played this week defeating St Oliver Plunkett 3-1.
The draw for the semi-finals saw Larne Ladies drawn at home to Foyle Belles with Lisburn Rangers at home to St James or Ballyclare Comrades.
NIWFA Weekly Review 17 - 23 July
After the break for the European Championships NIWFA action returned with a bang this week as the semi-finals for our various league cups took place.
CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
The first team to qualify for their divisional league cup final this season were St James Swifts who had a superb 4-1 victory on the road at Foyle Belles. The Belles had led 1-0 at half time thank to a goal from Abby Alexander however a second half fight back including a hat-trick from Amber Dempster and a goal from captain Siobhan Bell ensured that it would be the Belfast based side who would appear in the showcase final later in the season.
The Swifts opponents in the final will be Ballymena United Women who had an equally fine victory this time defeating Larne 4-2 at Inver Park. United stamped their authority on this one in the first half leading 2-0 at half time thanks to goals from Chelsea Millar and Hannah Firth and although Larne pulled one back through Georgia Crawford early in the second half two further strikes from United’s Megan Henry meant that a late strike from Leola McErlane was only to be a late consolation for Larne.
DIVISION ONE LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
This seasons Division One league cup final will be between Lisburn Rangers Ladies and Ballyclare Comrades Ladies after both sides comfortably defeated Bangor Ladies and Belfast Celtic respectively. Rangers Eve Reilly was the star of the show this week notching up seven goals for the Lisburn based side.
DIVISION TWO LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Camlough Rovers Ladies will feature in the Division Two league cup final following a highly entertaining game which saw them defeat Ballynahinch Ladies. This game featured some great goals with the highlights due to be online on our social media over the weekend. Camlough’s opposition in the final will be St Oliver Plunkett who caused something of an upset as they defeated league leaders Kilmore Rec 3-2 thanks mainly to a double from Chelsey Edwards.
DIVISION THREE LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Greenisland Ladies recovered from a recent downturn of form to produce a great 2-1 win over Rosario to reach the Division three final. However they will need to keep that form going in the final as in it they will meet league leaders Ballymoney United who overcame dogged opposition from Shamrock Ladies to win 4-2.
DIVISION FOUR LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Division Four’s league cup semi-finals produced two cracking games with Lisburn Ladies Swifts having to wait until the last minute of normal play before overcoming a stubborn 22nd Ladies 4-3 at Clarendon. In the other semi final Craigavon City edged home 3-2 over Strabane Athletic Ladies.
Summing up then the NIWFA League cup finals this year will feature:
Championship: St James Swifts v Ballymena United Women
Division One: Ballyclare Comrades Ladies v Lisburn Rangers ladies
Division Two: Camlough Rovers v St Oliver Plunkett
Division Three: Greenisland v Ballymoney United
Division Four: Lisburn Ladies Swifts v Craigavon City
Dates and venues for all games will be confirmed shortly with highlights from all of the finals featuring on our social media.
ELSEWHERE
There was only one NIWFA Electric Ireland league game played this week which saw Armagh City and Portadown Ladies draw 0-0 in Division One.
NIWFA Weekly Review 22 June - 1 July
CHAMPIONSHIP
The Race for the NIWFA Championship honours is definitely heating up ahead of the Euros break with all three of the top sides keeping up the pace with wins this week. In the division’s big game this week it was Larne who secured the points defeating St James Swifts 2-1 although they had to come from a goal behind thanks to a wonder strike from Molly White on 25 minutes. The Inver Park girls however dug in with goals from Amanda Morton & Hollie Johnston tipping the tie in their favour – Highlights from this game can be found elsewhere on our social media.
Elsewhere in a remarkable turnaround league leaders Ballymena United scored three goals in injury time (Zoe McDowell, Chelsea Millar and Olivia Brown) to overcome a stubborn Comber Rec side who had led through an own goal on 36 minutes.
Foyle Belles were awarded a walk over against Ballymacash with the nett outcome from all of those results meaning its Ballymena topping the table on 25 points, Foyle second on 22 with Larne third on 19 but with a game in hand.
DIVISION ONE
Big wins for Lisburn Rangers and Ballyclare Comrades have saw the gap widening at the top at the top of the Division one standings with Rangers leading the way on 21 points from 7 games played, the Comrades on 18 points from 8 games played with an eight point gap now existing between these sides and third placed Belfast Celtic. Star player of the week was Lisburn Rangers Eve Reilly who notched up no less than 10 goals in their heavy defeat of Crewe United.
DIVISION TWO
A 3-1 win for Kilmore Rec over Larne Olympic means that the Rec remain top of the standings in Division Two however Camlough kept on their tails following a win over Ballymena Utd Seconds. In the divisions other games this week Ballyclare Comrades Reserves defeated St Oliver Plunkett 2-1 with Ballynahinch overcoming Banbridge Town 2-0
DIVISION THREE
It was tough week for the ladies of Greenisland FC which saw them losing two consecutive leagues games, firstly against Rosario (highlights of this game can be found on our social media) and then again to Antrim Rovers later in the week. That victory for Rosario was followed up by a further success over Shamrock Ladies a combination of all of those games meaning that Antrim Rovers have now moved up to third place on level points with Rosario in the table. It’s still however Ballymoney United who lead the standings following a comprehensive win over Belfast Ravens with the divisions final game seeing Ambassadors overcoming Banbridge Rangers 2-1
DIVISION FOUR
In Division four Craigavon won the big game of the week defeating Lisburn Ladies Swifts 3-1 and in doing so opening up a nine point gap at the top of the table. Strabane remain second following a win over the 22nd Ladies,
DIVISION FIVE
Division Five East is now complete with Lisburn Distillery, Futuro Falcons and Crewe United Reserves making up the top three final places with Lisbellaw, Maiden City and Mid Ulster Reserves doing the same in the Western section. Post break these sides will now move into a combined division to determine the league winners in the fifth division
PWC SUPER CUP
Round Two of this years PwC Super cup competition was also played this week with the highly impressive Lisburn Rangers winning the tie of the round against Ballymena United – highlights from this game can be found elsewhere on our social media. There were also some shocks in the second round most notably from third division Antrim Rovers who defeated Championship side Ballymacash Rangers and Division one side Ballyclare Comrades who knocked out Killen Rangers. Also making their way into the last eight of this season’s competition were St Oliver Plunkett, Kilmore Rec, Foyle Belles, Larne Ladies and St James Swifts.
NIWFA Weekly Review 19 - 25 June
CHAMPIONSHIP
It’s very much as you were at the top of the Championship with the top three sides all securing comfortable wins in the last seven days with league leaders Ballymena United Women taking no prisoners as they brushed aside Killen Rangers 13-0 thanks mainly to four goal hauls from Megan Henry and Olivia Brown with Hannah Firth (x2), Beth Hunter, Niamh McGaughey and Laura McKillen completing the rout.
Second placed Foyle Belles weren’t to be outdone as they continued to pile the pressure on Coleraine Ladies winning 10-0 at the Showgrounds through strikes from Ellie Redden (x4), Bronagh Dunne (x2), Eva Ferguson and a hat-trick from former Bannsider Abby Alexander.
Third placed Larne also kept in the hunt winning 4-1 at Comber Rec with Hollie Johnston netting a double for the Inver reds in this one. Larne’s other goals came courtesy of Francesca Agnew and an og with Comber’s sole reply coming in the 75th minute from Shannon McCullough.
And in the Championships final game of the week it was St James Swifts who secured the points winning 4-0 at Ballymacash Rangers through goals from the in form Claire Shaw (x2), Amber Dempster and Aimee Johnston. Match highlights and post match interviews from this one can be found elsewhere on our social media content.
DIVISION ONE
After failing to take a few early chances, second placed Ballyclare Comrades were made to pay by the as always ruthless Lisburn Rangers who continue to dominate Division One thanks to a 5-0 win over their nearest rivals. Rangers are now three points clear at the top with a game in hand over second placed Ballyclare.
Elsewhere Bangor Ladies had a solid 3-0 win over Armagh City whilst Crewe United had to battle back from two goals down before securing a 2-2 with Belfast Celtic.
DIVISION TWO
In Division Two it’s Kilmore Rec who continue to lead the way with Camlough Rovers still in contention after both sides secured wins this week over Ballynahinch and Larne Olympic respectively. St Oliver Plunkett remain in third following victory over Banbridge Town with Ballymena United Reserves beating their Ballyclare Comrades counterparts in the divisions final game.
DIVISION THREE
There were plenty of goals to report in Division three with no less than 27 goals being scored across the three games played this week. The big winners this week were Ballymoney United, Shamrock Ladies and Antrim Rovers with comfortable victories over Ambassadors, Banbridge Rangers and Belfast Ravens respectively.
DIVISION FOUR
The 22nd Ladies produced one of the seasons remarkable fight backs against Dromara Village where they trailed 3-0 after only 35 minutes before eventually turning the game on its head to win 8-3. Craigavon City continue to lead that table after victory at Moneyslane with Strabane Athletic remaining on their heels following victory over Ballymoney United reserves
DIVISION FIVE EAST
Futuro Falcons allowed a two goal lead to slip as they were held to a draw by Comber Rec Ladies Reserves however despite that setback they remain in second place in the table. Leading the way in this section are Lisburn Distillery Ladies with the “Whites” now unbeaten in 9 games following a further victory over First Bangor Ladies. In the divisions other game, after waiting two years for their first ever victory, Belfast Ravens made it two wins from their last three games after they beat Crewe United Reserves.
DIVISION FIVE WEST
And finally in Division Five West, Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves recorded a fine victory over second placed Maiden City, a result which leaves Mid-Ulster one point behind their opposition with a game in hand and in the final game this week Draperstown Celtic defeated Raceview 3-1
NIWFA Weekly Review 12 - 18 June
CHAMPIONSHIP
The big game in the Championship this week saw the league leaders Ballymena United make the short journey to Inver Park to take on third placed Larne. In what was a hard fought tactical encounter there was nothing to divide the teams with a net result meaning the game ended as a 1-1 draw with United’s goal coming through a Rachel Fulton penalty and Larne’s equaliser courtesy of a superb strike from Amanda Morton. Highlights from this game can be found on our NIWFA Social media.
Elsewhere Foyle Belles were the main benefactors of the those sides drawing as they were awarded three points due to Killen Rangers not being able to complete their arranged fixture with them. Those three points mean the Belles are now up to second place in the table three points behind United and three ahead of Larne however the girls from Inver Park do have a game in hand.
Coleraine’s season of misery continued with another heavy defeat this time to St.James Swifts in a game which saw the Swifts running riot and eventually winning 17-0 with a five goal haul from Claire Shaw doing most of the damage. The other scorers on the night were Molly White (x4) Amber Dempster (x3), Siobhan Bell, Jodie Shannon, Lauren Mulligan, Ella Copeland and an og.
In the Division’s final game this week, Ballymacash Rangers and Comber Rec played out a high scoring seven goal thriller with Rangers eventually winning 4-3 thanks to goals from Chloe Glover, Tracey Orr, Maeve Nethercott and Melissa Robinson with Combers goals coming from Regan Montgomery, Shannon McCullough and Lucy Carville.
DIVISION ONE
Division One saw comfortable wins for the league’s top two sides, Lisburn Rangers defeating Belfast Celtic 6-0 and Ballyclare Comrades defeating Armagh City 7-2 – These two sides clash in a mouth watering game next week. In the divisions final game of the week it was the visitors Crewe United who took the spoils winning away from home at Portadown Ladies.
DIVISION TWO
The game of the week in Division Two saw high flying Camlough Rovers feature in a 12 goal thriller against Ballynahinch ladies with the team from Ballynahinch eventually securing the points with a 7-5 win. That result will have been music to the ears of league leaders Kilmore Rec who, thanks to victory at SOP now lead the table by six points.
Ballyclare Comrades Reserves had a disappointing week this time around losing 0-3 to Larne Olympic on Monday night then again 1-2 to Banbridge Town.
DIVISION THREE
There was a 100% success rate for teams on the road this week in Division Three with Greenisland, Rosario, Antrim Rovers and Ballymoney all winning their away games at Belfast Ravens, Banbridge Rangers, Ambassadors & Shamrock Ladies respectively. These results means it’s Greenisland who remain top of the table – however there’s still only one point between them and second placed Ballymoney who have two games in hand.
DIVISION FOUR
Strabane Athletic defeated Lisburn Ladies Swifts 4-0 at the beginning of this week with that result seeing them leapfrog the Lisburn side into second place in the league although it’s still Craigavon who lead the way in Division Four after brushing aside the challenge of Dromara Village. Highlights from the Lisburn Ladies v Strabane game are available to view on our social media.
DIVISION FIVE EAST
League leaders Lisburn Distillery continued their 100% winning league record this season by defeating Crewe United and in doing so ensuring that they will finish top of the Division Five East table. Elsewhere Futuro Falcons remain in second place thanks to a win over First Bangor but the big news this week was the 3-2 win for Belfast Ravens Seconds over Comber Rec reserves, this win being the Ravens first ever competitive win in two years of trying so it’s a massive well done to them.
DIVISION FIVE WEST
There were comfortable wins for Lisbellaw, Maiden City and Mid Ulster Reserves in Division Five West this week with those results ensuring those three sides have now guaranteed a top half finish in the table.
NIWFA Weekly Review 5 - 11 June
This week saw the commencement of the divisional league cup competitions for the NIWFA leagues from Championship down to Division Four so here’s our round up of the best of the quarter final action:
CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE CUP Q/F
There were big away wins all the way in the Championship league cup quarter finals this week with Larne leading the way winning by a massive 14-0 at Coleraine Ladies thanks to goals from Hollie Johnston (x5), Georgia Crawford (x2), Leola McErlane (x2) who were in turn supported by single strikes from Amanda Morton, Elle Houston, Aimee Beggs,. Francesca Agnew and Aimee Mackenzie.
St James Swifts weren’t far behind notching up an 11-0 at Comber courtesy of hat-tricks from Amber Dempster and Chloe Doak, doubles from Molly White and Cathy Kelly with Claire Shaw also getting her name on the score sheet.
The third team to qualify for the semi-finals were Foyle Belles who won 7-1 at Killen Rangers with an Abby Alexander hat-trick on the night doing most of the damage. Foyle’s other goals came from Ellie Redden (x2) Shantelle Temple and Michaela McGilloway with Killen’s consolation being fired home by Courtney Stewart.
DIVISION ONE LEAGUE CUP Q/F
There was a similar pattern in the Division one league cup once again with all the away teams prevailing thanks to comfortable wins for Lisburn Rangers (v Crewe), Ballyclare Comrades (v Armagh) and Bangor Ladies (v Portadown)
DIVISION TWO LEAGUE CUP Q/F
At least there was one home side able to break the away hoodoo in Division Two as Camlough Rovers easily disposed of Ballyclare Comrades Ladies Reserves thanks mainly to a four goal haul by Ellen McCartney.
Joining Camlough in the semi-final will be St Oliver Plunkett Ladies, Ballynahinch Ladies and Kilmore Rec Ladies who overcame Ballymena Utd Ladies Seconds, Banbridge Town and Larne Olympic respectively. Highlights from that game between Larne and Kilmore can be found elsewhere on our social media feed.
DIVISION THREE LEAGUE CUP Q/F
Division Three reversed the trend of league cup away wins this week with all three games producing home victories as Greenisland, Shamrock Ladies and Rosario made it through the last four eliminating Banbridge Rangers, Belfast Ravens and Antrim Rovers along the way.
DIVISION FOUR LEAGUE CUP Q/F
The final league cup games this weekend were in Division four with the 22nd Ladies coming back from a goal down to defeat Dromara Village 6-3 (highlights of this game to appear shortly on our social media) and Strabane who comfortably disposed of Ballymoney Utd Reserves to also make the last four.
DIVISION FIVE EAST
With Division Five teams not involved in the league cup teams continued on with league action with the league leaders Lisburn Distillery defeating second placed Futuro Falcons on Wednesday night to open up a nine point gap at the top of that section.
First Bangor Ladies picked up their first win of the season as they defeated Belfast Ravens seconds with Comber Rec Reserves also securing three points as they overcame Crewe Ladies Reserves.
DIVISION FIVE WEST
And finally, in the Division Five West league, Maiden City ladies looked set to cause an upset as they led league leaders Lisbellaw 3-0 at half time when the sides met at the Castle Park Centre. Lisbellaw however then showed why they are top of the table by fighting back to secure a 3-3 draw at full time.
In the divisions only other game this week Antrim Rovers Ladies reserves picked up an important three points when they won at Raceview Ladies.
NIWFA Weekly Review 29 May - 4 June
CHAMPIONSHIP
It’s the women from Ballymena United who continue to set the pace in the Championship although they had to do it the hard way this week after going a goal behind to Ballymacash Rangers following a delightful lob from Chloe Glover. Showing their determination however United did fight back eventually winning 6-2 through a Beth Hunter double and goals from Chelsea Millar, Zoe McDowell, Megan Henry and a Michelle McDonald penalty. Ballymacash’s second goal on the night came from Maeve Nethercott with highlights from this game now available to view elsewhere on our social media.
Elsewhere Larne Ladies kept themselves well in the hunt by overcoming Killen Rangers 8-0 thanks to doubles from Hollie Johnston and Amanda Morton and single goals from Morgan Hanna, Katherine Haveron, Rebecca Boyce and Leola McErlean.
Larne’s win sees them sitting four points behind the leaders Ballymena with a game in hand however second placed Foyle Belles dropped important points as they were held 1-1 at the Brandywell by St James Swifts, the goals in this one coming from Abby Alexander for Foyle and Amber Dempster for the Swifts.
In the Championship’s final game of the week Coleraine’s disappointing season continued as were beaten 0-3 at home by Comber Rec Ladies, goals from Lucy Carville, Regan Montgomery and Shannon McCullough ensuring the points returned to north Down.
DIVISION ONE
Lisburn Rangers once again hit double figures this week as they dismantled Bangor Ladies with Ballyclare Comrades also scoring plenty of goals in their win versus Belfast Celtic. It’s no surprise therefore that it’s Lisburn Rangers leading from Ballyclare in the standings in Division One. It was a poor week all round in the league however for Bangor Ladies as they lost not only to Lisburn Ladies as mentioned earlier but also to Crewe United Ladies.
DIVISION TWO
In the two games played in Division Two there were wins for Ballynahinch Ladies who won at Ballymena Utd Reserves with Kilmore Rec easing home past Banbridge Town at the Kilmore Playing fields. That result means Kilmore now lead the table by three points from Camlough with Banbridge Town now bottom of the table.
DIVISION THREE
There were comfortable wins for Antrim Rovers and Rosario in Division Three with Ballymoney also picking up three points due to their opposition Banbridge Rangers having to forfeit. In the leagues other game this week Ambassadors and Greenisland battled out a 1-1 draw with these results meaning Greenisland still lead the table however they are now only one point ahead of Ballymoney who have two games in hand.
DIVISION FOUR
In Division Four the 22nd Ladies and Lisburn Ladies Swifts played out a highly entertaining game at the Hammer with the Swifts just easing home eventually 4-3 with Strabane Ladies also picking up three points following a good win over Moneyslane. It’s Craigavon City who lead the way in this division but that win for the Swifts sees them move to within three points of the summit.
DIVISION FIVE EAST
Lisburn Distillery Ladies remain top of the Division Five East standings following a comfortable home win over Comber Rec Reserves thanks mainly to a four goal haul from Rebecca Maxwell which was ably assisted by hat-tricks from Cora Maxwell and Aoibhinn Murray. In the divisions other game this week Crewe United Reserves defeated First Bangor.
DIVISION FIVE WEST
And finally league wise in Division Five West there were big wins for Draperstown Celtic and Maiden City however it’s Lisbellaw United who continue to lead the way in that section.
NIWFA PWC SUPER CUP
There was also plenty of action this week as the PWC Supercup competition got into its stride.
Most of the ties in this one went as expected with clubs successfully making their way into the third round stage including St.Oliver Plunkett, Lisburn Rangers, Ballyclare Comrades, Bangor Ladies and Kilmore Rec.
Also making it through were Antrim Rovers who defeated Camlough 7-4 (highlights from this game on our social media pages) and two sides who did well to defeat higher league opposition in Lisburn Distillery Ladies and Lisbellaw United. The draw for the third round of this competition which sees the Championship clubs enter the competition can be found elsewhere on our social media with the draw for the quarter finals also due to be online from Saturday night (4th June)
NIWFA Weekly Review 22 - 28 May
CHAMPIONSHIP
Ballymena United Women continue to lead the Championship following a comprehensive 9-0 victory over Coleraine Ladies at the Coleraine Showgrounds earlier this week. Olivia Brown was the star of that particular game netting on four occasions and being ably assisted by Megan Henry (2), Kara McCartney, Rachel Fulton and Beth Hunter.
Foyle Belles continued their chase for league honours by moving into second place in the standings however they were made to fight all the way by Comber Rec who led 3-1 at half time at Parkway only for the Belles to score three times in the second half to win 4-3. Comber’s goals on the night came from Shannon McCullough (x2) and Lindsay Johnston with Foyle’s fight back led by two Ellie Redden strikes and single goals from Abby Alexander and Caithlin McMahon. Highlights from this game can be viewed elsewhere on our social media.
St James Swifts also kept themselves well in the chasing pack following a fine 7-1 victory at Killen Rangers goals in this one coming from Claire Shaw (x4), Amber Dempster, Cathy Kelly and Molly White with Killen’s reply coming from Lauren McCann.
DIVISION ONE
Division One this week saw success for all of the away teams with comfortable wins on the road for Lisburn Rangers, Belfast Celtic and Crewe United. In the standings Lisburn Rangers continue to lead the way with a 100% record in their four games played so far with Belfast Celtic in second place three points behind.
DIVISION TWO
Division Two is developing into a really exciting title chase with wins for all of the top three clubs as Kilmore Rec, Camlough Rovers and St Oliver Plunkett all won their respective games against Ballyclare Comrades Reserves, Banbridge Town and Ballymena Seconds.
Only one point now separates the top three in this Division with Camlough and Kilmore level and SOP only one point behind. Elsewhere in this division Ballynahinch had a great 5-1 win over Larne Olympic.
DIVISION THREE
Greenisland Ladies lead the way in the third division following a fine 4-1 victory over Shamrock Ladies however Ballymoney United Women are hot on their heels only three points behind with two games in hand. Antrim Rovers had A fine 5-2 win at Banbridge Rangers to put some distance between them and the lower end of the table whilst Belfast Ravens will have been well pleased to have secured a great 2-0 win over Ambassadors with highlights from that game to follow shortly on our social media.
DIVISION FOUR
In Division Four Craigavon City continue to lead the standings following their picking up of three points after Strabane Athletic had to forfeit their proposed match up earlier this week. Lisburn Ladies Swifts kept in the hunt following a 2-0 win over Ballymoney Reserves with Moneyslane picking up their second win of the season as they overcame the 22nd Ladies 3-2
DIVISION FIVE EAST
Lisburn Distillery Ladies remain top of the Division Five east standings although they were made to fight hard all the way against a resilient Comber Rec Reserves before eventually winning 2-0. Futuro Falcons continue to chase them down following a comfortable success over Belfast Ravens Reserves and Crewe United Ladies Reserves also had a strong win defeating First Bangor Ladies.
DIVISION FIVE WEST
Big winning score lines for Lisbellaw United and Maiden City over Mid Ulster Reserves and Raceview Ladies ensured both sides remain at the top of the standings with Lisbellaw leading the way by three points from the Derry based side.
NIWFA PWC SUPER CUP
This seasons NIWFA Super cup competition also got underway this week with Ballyclare Comrades Ladies, Futuro Falcons and Bangor Ladies all making their way into the first official round of the competition although Bangor were pushed to extra time by Belfast Ravens. The Falcons will have been well pleased with their 2-0 win over higher league opposition in Rosario and you can catch the highlights from Ballyclare’s win over Strabane elsewhere on our social media.
NIWFA Weekly Review 15 - 21 May
CHAMPIONSHIP
Ballymena United Women moved to the top of the Championship this week following a hard fought 1-0 victory over Foyle Belles thanks to a 22nd minute goal from Michelle McDonald. Larne Ladies moved into second place after they returned to winning ways with a 6-0 victory over Coleraine with two goals apiece from Hollie Johnston and Amanda Morton with Francesca Agnew and Jennifer Montgomery securing a comfortable win. That defeat leaves the Bannsiders rooted to the foot of the table. In the Championship’s final game this week St James Swifts also returned to winning ways with another comfortable score line this time 7-0 v Comber Rec Ladies with goals coming from Chloe Doak (x2), Claire Shaw (x2), Siobhan Bell, Aimee Johnston and Courtney Moore
DIVISION ONE
Lisburn Rangers Ladies stormed to the top of Division One following a rout of Armagh City Ladies with a five goal salvo from Eve Reilly causing most of the damage on the night. Bangor Ladies caused something of an upset as they won 3-1 at Belfast Celtic and in the divisions’ final game Ballyclare Comrades ladies secured a comfortable win at Portadown Ladies an Aimee Kerr hat trick doing most of the damage in that one. Lisburn Rangers remain undefeated in three league games on nine points however there are three teams on six points ensuring there isn’t too much a gap in the chasing pack.
DIVISION TWO
Camlough Rovers sent the third division table into something of a spin as they beat former leaders Kilmore Rec 7-4 to dislodge them from the top of the table. St Oliver Plunkett continued their unbeaten start to the season as they and Larne Olympic Ladies battled out a 2-2 draw with another draw, this time a rare 0-0 one. happened when Ballynahinch and Ballyclare Comrades Reserves met at Millbridge. In this divisions final game of the week Ballymena Utd Reserves easily defeated Banbridge Town a result which sent Banbridge to the foot of the table.
DIVISION THREE
With Ballymoney United’s game against Antrim Rovers being postponed Greenisland made the most of their absence defeating Banbridge Women to move joint top of the Division Three standings. Belfast Ravens had a narrow win over Shamrock Ladies, a Caiti McLoskey hat-trick securing the points in that one. And finally in Division three Ambassadors Ladies narrowly squeaked home 1-0 over Rosario.
DIVISION FOUR
In Division Four Craigavon City made it four wins from four games played following a good win over the 22nd Ladies with Lisburn Ladies Swifts and Ballymoney Utd Reserves also securing wins over Dromora Village and Moneyslane respectively.
DIVISION FIVE EAST
Like many other games this week the weather played a big part in the mid week top of the table clash in Five east between Lisburn Distillery and the Futuro Falcons with the “Whites” dealing with the conditions better on the night to secure a 2-1 win and in doing so moving three points clear at the top of the table. Crewe United Reserves also had a fine win over First Bangor and the three points gained moved them into third place in the table.
DIVISION FIVE WEST
In the Western division it was Lisbellaw United who came out on top of the top of the table clash winning at Maiden City with Antrim Rovers Ladies picking up their first points of the season after beating Raceview 2-0. In the Divisions other game there was a win for Mid Ulster Ladies reserves over Draperstown.
NIWFA Weekly Review 8 - 14 May
CHAMPIONSHIP
It was a good week for Foyle Belles who became the first team to take points off Larne Ladies this season following a fine 2-0 win thanks to a brace of goals from Ellie Redden. The win sees Foyle draw level at the top of the table with Larne and Ballymena United Women who had no game this week.
There was a first win of the season in the Championship for Ballymacash Rangers who defeated Coleraine Ladies 2-0 at the Showgrounds thanks to strikes from Chloe Glover and Melissa Robinson whilst Comber Rec also got their first points on the board with a hard fought 3-2 win at Killen Rangers. Goals in this one came from Lucy Carville (x2) and Heather Kerr for Comber with Killen replying through Lauren McCann and Courtney Stewart.
DIVISION ONE
In Division One league leaders Armagh City slipped up at home to Belfast Celtic thanks to two goals from Ursula McCotter a result which saw the Celts move about their hosts and to the top of the table.
Two goals from Erin McCauley and a single strike from Aimee Kerr gained Ballyclare Comrades their first points of the season as they beat Crewe United Ladies 3-2 with Crewe’s goals coming from Caitlyn Mitchell and Nicole Jones whilst Bangor had a comfortable 6-0 home win over Portadown thanks to two goals from Leah Robinson, an og and single strikes from Laura McGimpsey, Abbie King and Jodi Keenan. Highlights from this game are available to view elsewhere on our social media content.
DIVISION TWO
In Division Two it’s Kilmore Rec who lead the way as they made it two wins from two games played thanks to a comprehensive win over Ballymena United Seconds.
Camlough Rovers dropped their first points of the season after losing at Ballyclare Comrades Reserves that result leaving the Comrades within one point off the top of the table.
St Oliver Plunkett Ladies remain unbeaten following a hard fought 2-0 win over Ballynahinch United the highlights of which will be available to view shortly on our social media channels. And finally in Division Two Larne Olympic and Banbridge Town drew 1-1
DIVISION THREE
Ballymoney United Ladies continue to lead the way in Division three following a third consecutive victory this time against Greenisland FC. Rosario’s victory over Antrim Rovers moves them up into second place with Ambassdors moving up into third following a fine away win at Shamrock Ladies. In the divisions other game this week Banbridge Rangers and Belfast Ravens failed to produce a goal between them in a tight 0-0 draw.
DIVISION FOUR
In Division Four Craigavon City and Strabane Athletic both kept up their 100% records with victories over Ballymoney Reserves and Dromara Village respectively whilst Lisburn Ladies returned to winning ways with a victory at Moneyslane a result which sees them move into third place in the standings.
DIVISION FIVE EAST
In Division Five East the Futuro Falcons continue to fly high alongside Lisburn Distillery with both sides maintaining 100% winning starts to the season after victories over First Bangor and Crewe United Reserves. These sides meet one another next week. Elsewhere in this division Comber Rec Ladies Reserves defeated Belfast Ravens.
DIVISION FIVE WEST
It’s Lisbellaw United and Maiden City Ladies out in front of the western section of Division five with both sides securing comfortable wins over Raceview (forfeit) and Draperstown Celtic respectively with Mid Ulster Ladies also easing home against Antrim Rovers Ladies Reserves.
NIWFA Weekly Review 1 - 7 May
CHAMPIONSHIP
Larne Ladies and Ballymena United Women made it two wins from two following their second wins of the season earlier this week with Larne scoring a great 2-1 win at St James Swifts thanks to goals from debutant Hollie Johnston and Amanda Morton, the Swift’s consolation coming from Molly White. Meanwhile United comfortably disposed of Comber Rec 11-2 thanks mainly to five goals from Megan Henry who was ably assisted by two goals from Olivia Brown and single goals from Anna Service, Chelsea Millar, Tasha Bamford, and Hannah Firth,. Comber’s consolation goals came from two strikes from Shannon McCullough and there are highlights from this game elsewhere on our social media.
Elsewhere Balllymacash are still seeking their first points of the season after losing 2-1 at home to fellow promoted side Foyle Belles following a late Ellie Redden strike on 88 minutes. Before this Katie Stanfield had given Ballymacash the lead only for Foyle’s Caithlin McMahon to level the game.
And finally in the Championship Killen Rangers picked up their first points of the season when they won 4-3 at Coleraine Ladies once again courtesy of late strikes in the 89th and 90th minutes by Lauren McCann. Prior to this Coleraine had led 3-1 through strikes from Chloe Campbell and two from Shairee Nicholl with Killen’s reply also coming from Nicholl albeit on this occasion an own goal. Emma Kee then reduced the deficit to a single goal by making it 2-3 on 71 minutes before those two late winning goals.
DIVISION ONE
There was just the one game in Division one this week with Armagh City coming back from a goal behind to defeat Portadown 2-1. Anna Acheson had given the Ports the lead only for goals from Edith McCormick and Megan Bothwell to ensure the visitors’ took the points back to Armagh. The win means Armagh currently lead Division One.
BEST OF THE REST
Division Two also saw just the one game take place last week with recently promoted Camlough moving to the top of the table following a comfortable 6-1 win over Ballymena United Seconds.
Division Three saw comfortable wins for Ballymoney United, Rosario and Ambassadors Ladies with Greenisland also producing a great performance to defeat Antrim Rovers 2-0 at Allen Park. These results see Ballymoney United and Greenisland locked at the top of the standings with both sides on six points.
Moving into Division Four Moneyslane bounced back after a heavy loss in their opening game to defeat Dromara Village and in doing so picking up their first points of the season. There were also wins for Craigavon City and Strabane and it’s those two sides who now lead the way in the fourth division.
In Division Five East Crewe United Reserves found winning form once again easily disposing of Belfast Ravens Seconds whilst there were also comfortable wins for new sides Futuro Falcons and Lisburn Distillery with those two sides now neck and neck at the top of the standings.
And finally in Division 5 West Maiden City and Lisbellaw continue to be the pacesetters following strong victories over Mid Ulster Reserves and Antrim Rovers Reserves respectively. And in the final game of the week an injury time winner from Lauren Bleaks broke Raceview hearts as they lost 3-4 at home to Draperstown Celtic. Highlights from this exciting game are also on our social media.
NIWFA Weekly Review 25/04/22 to 30/04/22
CHAMPIONSHIP
St James Swifts got their championship campaign off to a flying start with a comfortable 7-2 win over recently promoted Ballymacash Rangers Ladies thanks to goals from Mollie White, Anna Whibley, Chloe Doak, Amber Dempster, Claire Shaw and a brace from Aimee Johnston. Swifts had led 2-0 only to see Ballymacash level through two well taken Shelly Stothers strikes before the hosts eased back into a winning lead. Video highlights from this game can be found elsewhere on our social media pages.
Ballymena United Women also got off to a flying start securing a great 4-0 victory at Killen Rangers thanks to strikes from Chelsea Millar, Hannah Firth and two from recent signing Olivia Brown.
And in the leagues other game that was played in week one it was Larne who picked up the points defeating Comber Rec Ladies 4-1 at Inver Park. Goalscorers in this game were, for Larne, Teah Maguire, Amanda Morton, Gerogia Crawford and an own goal with Comber’s sole reply coming from Shannon McCullough.
The game between Foyle Belles and Coleraine Ladies was postponed.
DIVISION ONE
In Division One Lisburn Rangers Ladies look like once again they will be the team to beat as they brushed aside Ballyclare Comrades Ladies 6-0 thanks to goals from Ellie-Mae Dickson x2, Faye Loughran, Eve Reilly, Tierna Bell and Ciara Tumelty. This was Ballyclare Comrades first game since merging with Carnmoney Ladies and although they will have been disappointed with the result they will have been delighted with an attendance of over 200 people who turned up to watch the game.
The game between Belfast Celtic Ladies and Crewe United Ladies finished with a 1-1 draw, but Crewe were given a three point deduction and forfeited the match due to fielding ineligible players in the game.
In the last game in Division One Armagh City Ladies and Bangor Ladies fought out a thriller with Armagh eventually winning 3-2 thanks to goals from Edith McCormick x 2 and Phillipa Dougan-Toal with the “Seasiders” responses coming from Leah Robinson and Beth Sloan.
BEST OF THE REST
In Division Two there were wins for two of the promoted sides Camlough Rovers and Kilmore Rec who beat Ballynahinch Ladies and Larne Olympic 2-1 and 3-2 respectively. In the leagues other game Ballyclare Comrades Reserves drew 3-3 with Ballymena United Ladies Seconds.
In Division three there were big wins for Ballymoney United and Antrim Rovers over Ambassadors and Belfast Ravens respectively with Greenisland picking up three points on the road as they defeated Rosario 2-1. In the divisions game of the night Shamrock Ladies came back from 4-0 down at Banbridge Rangers to draw 5-5 with highlights from this game also available to view elsewhere on our social media pages.
In Division Four Craigavon City Ladies had a big win over Moneyslane as did Strabane Athletic who comfortably dispatched Ballymoney United Reserves. In the Divisions other game Dromara Village and the 22nd Ladies drew 3-3
And finally Division Five this season has been split into two regional sections with Futuro Falcons, Lisburn Distillery and Comber Rec Reserves all getting off to winning starts in the Eastern Section and Maiden City, Lisbellaw United and Mid Ulster Reserves doing likewise in the Western section.
2022 League Launch
Thursday 21 April sees the start of the NIWFA 2022 season, sponsored by Electric Ireland.
Commenting on the return to play, Valerie Heron, NIWFA Chair, said, “We’re delighted to be able to launch the 2022 season following a record number of new club applications. We are also pleased that new teams in the North and West have entered the league, extending the reach of senior women’s football across the country. We know of course that interest in the game is helped significantly by the success of the Northern Ireland Senior Ladies and our season will break for two weeks in July to coincide with the Women’s Euro Finals.”
Anne Smyth, Sponsorship Specialist at Electric Ireland, says continued growth of the NIWFA is heartening but not surprising. “Over the past few years, since Electric Ireland first started supporting the women’s game, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the dedication and commitment of NIWFA in driving women’s football forward. It is brilliant that we have both new clubs and 2nd teams taking part in the 2022 season. Every girl and woman involved is part of the Game Changers movement which continues to raise the profile of women’s
football across Northern Ireland as more and more people enjoy the women’s game.”
We would like to wish all our teams a successful season ahead and we hope to share many photos of every club from across the season.
