WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 13 -19 AUGUST
And there we have it, league season 2023 has concluded, our champions have been declared and as usual it’s been a season full of highs and lows across our NIWFA clubs. Well done to everyone on all of your efforts through 2023, we hope you have enjoyed your football.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Champions: Lisburn Rangers Runners-up; Ballyclare Comrades
Lisburn Rangers completed a 100% winning record in the Championship this season after a hard fought 3-1 win at Ballyclare Comrades during the week. Tierna Bell and Eve Reilly had given Rangers the lead but an Aimee Kerr penalty just before the break gave the Comrades hope. A battling second half performance from both sides kept the match very much alive until the 87th minute when Ranger’s Reilly converted from close distance to secure the win. Lisburn Rangers are one of four clubs across the NIWFA this season that joined the 100+ club by scoring over 100 goals. Highlights from this game can be found on our social media shortly.
Elsewhere a 4-0 win for St.James Swifts at Foyle Belles thanks to goals from Megan Copeland (x3) and Anna Whibley ensured the Swifts finished in fourth place whilst a sole Leanne Watson strike earned Comber Rec the win at Belfast Celtic.
Despite having no game this week Bangor finished in third place in the standings.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
Champions: St.Oliver Plunkett Runners-up; Camlough Rovers
A comfortable win for SOP at Kilmore ensured that they ended the season unbeaten whilst at the other end of the table Armagh City ended their disappointing season on a high with victory over Coleraine.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
Champions: Ballymoney Utd Runners-up: Greenisland
In what was one of our tightest divisions this year two victories this week against Rosario and Ambassadors ensured Ballymoney United have won Division Two by four points from Greenisland who kept fighting to the end by defeating Ballymena Utd Reserves. Rosario bounced back from their defeat against Ballymoney to beat Ballyclare Comrades Reserves in a high scoring nine goal thriller whilst in the division’s final game Belfast Ravens overcame Portadown. Ballymoney completed the season unbeaten.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
Champions: Strabane Athletic Runners-up: Craigavon City
A comfortable victory over Moneyslane wasn’t enough for Craigavon City as Strabane also won against the 22nd Ladies to secure the Division Three title by two points. No doubt Craigavon will rue losing their opening day game of the season to the Athletic as it was that result which eventually came back to haunt them. Elsewhere in the final week Lisburn Ladies Swifts defeated Dromara Village to finish in third place in the standings.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
Champions: Lisburn Distillery Runners-up: Lisbellaw United
Lisburn Distillery ended their season with a 100% winning league record after defeating Mid-Ulster Reserves this week in a game which also saw them join the 100+ club for this season by passing 100 goals scored. Also joining that exclusive club this season are runners up were Lisbellaw United who defeated Draperstown to conclude their season. Elsewhere Futuro Falcons and Maiden City ended their seasons with wins over Banbridge Rangers and Comber Rec Reserves respectively.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Champions: Antrim Town Runners-up: Ballymoney United Reserves
Champions Antrim Town concluded their season unbeaten following a fine win over Belfast Celtic Reserves with Ballymoney Utd Reserves and Lisburn Rangers Athletic also signing off in fine style with victories as well.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
Champions: Bloomfield Runners-up: Ballynahinch Olympic
Bloomfield concluded Division Six with a 100% winning league record following a hard fought 6-3 victory over second placed Ballynahinch Olympic this week, highlights of which can be found online elsewhere on our page. Bloomfield are also one of only four sides to join the 100+ club by scoring 100+ goals during the NIWFA season.
Elsewhere there wins for Ards Rangers, Belfast Swifts and Shorts Women, whilst credit has to be given to each and every team in Division Six in completing their seasons despite all only joining the NIWFA leagues for the first time this year.
DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
Champions: Valley Rangers Runners-up: Oxford Sunnyside
The Development league this season was set up to give teams their first taste of competitive football before applying to join the NIWFA leagues so all credit must be given to all of the teams who competed in fulfilling all of their fixtures. Well done as well to the winners Valley Rangers who secured a 100% win success throughout the season.
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 6 -12 AUGUST
This week saw more clubs being confirmed as Champions. As we continue to draw season 2023 to a close, here’s our review of the last week of play.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Lisburn Rangers are the winners of the 2023 Championship following a comprehensive win over Comber Rec coupled with a slip up by second placed Ballyclare Comrades meaning that the title is theirs. In securing the title Rangers have achieved the remarkable feat of having won five consecutive league titles and few can deny their worthiness as Champions a success which confirms that there is indeed a clear pathway through our leagues into the Women’s Premiership – well done to all at Lisburn Rangers.
Rangers title had been secured before they played this week as a late strike from St James Swifts Rebecca Curley ensured Ballyclare Comrades dropped points in a 2-2 draw despite having led through goals from Kirsty Quail and Emma Parker with Courtney Moore having earlier given the Swifts a 1-0 lead. Highlights from this game will be online later on today on our social media.
St.James were back in action for a second time this week but on this occasion lost 2-4 to Bangor in a result which guarantees the Seasiders third place in the Championship. Bangor’s goals on the day came from Amber Dempster (x 2), Leah Robinson and Megan Gore with Brooke Baine and Courtney Moore replying for the Swifts.
In the Championships final game this week goals from Sara-Lou McLaughlin, Bronagh Rooney and Grace Feerick gave Belfast Celtic a 3-1 win over Foyle Belles who replied through Jennifer Besoy. Sadly for the Belles this result ensures they will finish bottom of the Championship.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
There were no shocks in Division One with the top three sides SOP. Camlough and Larne Olympic all securing wins over Coleraine, Kilmore Rec and Armagh respectively. SOP were crowned champions of this division last week.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
The chase to be crowned Division Two champions remains alive with Greenisland and Ballyclare Reserves both winning to leave the table exceptionally tight. It still remains however in the hands of league leaders Ballymoney United who now need three points from their final two league games to secure the title.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
Convincing wins for the leaders Strabane Athletic and second placed Craigavon City leave Division Three on a knife edge with the Co.Tyrone side needing a point against 22nd Ladies in their final game of the season this incoming week to secure the title. No doubt Craigavon will be kicking themselves when they look back to their opening game of the season back in Mid April when they lost to Strabane a result which is the difference between the sides.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
An interesting fact about Division Four is that, following comfortable wins this week over Draperstown and Comber Rec respectively, both Lisburn Distillery and Lisbellaw United both go into the final week of games within touching distance of notching up the remarkable record of scoring over 100 goals in a season. The Whites need four more goals to hit treble figures whilst Lisbellaw only need the one.
Elsewhere in Division Four Futuro Falcons scored a memorable 1-0 win over Maiden City with the division’s final game seeing Mid Ulster Reserves edge home 5-4 in a nine goal thriller over Banbridge Rangers.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Antrim Town are the Division Five champions of 2023 following a comfortable win over Lisburn Ladies Athletic thanks mainly a four goal salvo from Ashleigh Thompson. Despite a win also for second placed Ballymoney Reserves the head to head rule means Antrim have secured the title so a massive congratulations to them.
Elsewhere in Division Five Raceview consolidated their third place by defeating First Bangor 2-1.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
NIWFA Division Six was also concluded this week as Bloomfield brushed aside Ards Rangers to guarantee that they are the worthy winners of this division and in doing so they also passed the 100+ goal scored this season. Well done to Bloomfield and indeed to all of the sides who have competed in our new Division Six this season for making it through the campaign. Ballynahinch Olympic finished as runners up whilst Belfast Swifts defeated Shorts Women 4-3 to stay one point clear of St.Marys, who defeated Donegal Celtic, in third place with those sides meeting one another this week in the final round of fixtures.
Highlights from the Shorts v Belfast Swifts game will be online over the next few days.
DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
Our first ever development league also concluded this week with Valley Rangers winning the inaugural title. Congratulations to everyone at Valley Rangers, and once again well done to all of the teams on completing their seasons.
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 30 JULY - 5 AUGUST
As our season starts to draw to a close, our first league champions for 2023 are slowly being decided. Here’s our review of the week that saw some clubs secure silverware.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
The race for the Championship remains on, although Lisburn Rangers ensured they remained firmly in the driving seat by crushing Belfast Celtic 16-0 thanks to goals from Eve Reilly (x 6), Gracie Conway and Cara Tumelty (x 2 each) and single strikes from Caoimhe Mulholland, Mia Lyttle, Sophie Megaw, Natalia Keenan, Daisy Conway and Ellie-Mae Dickson.
Not to be outdone third placed Bangor also romped home defeating Foyle Belles 12-2 with Amber Dempster (x 2), Leah Robinson, Francesca Fassunge, Lydia Clarke, Lone Bretlau, Robyn McFadden, Janine Jess, Erin Hennity and Claire Oakley all on target. Foyle’s two replies both came from Mia Doherty.
With Ballyclare Comrades not having a game this week these results mean Lisburn Rangers now lead the Championship table by three points with only two games to go.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
Massive congratulations to the ladies of St Oliver Plunkett who are our first league winners for 2023, having secured the Division One title following a fine win over Larne Olympic this week. Second placed Camlough had a convincing win over Coleraine but ultimately this wasn’t enough to stop SOP taking the title in style, with Ballynahinch ladies also defeating Kilmore this week. Coleraine’s defeat means they will finish bottom of Division One.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
NIWFA Division Two saw the top four sides, Ballymoney United, Greenisland, Ballyclare Comrades Reserves and Ambassadors all secure victories this week with the net outcome of all of that being that being that Ballymoney remain one point clear (and with a game in hand) of Greenisland Women at the top of the table. Portadown Ladies defeat by Greenisland ensures that the Co.Armagh side will finish bottom of Division Two for this season.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
Division Three is still wide open with a win for Strabane Athletic leaving the Co.Tyrone based side two points clear of second placed Craigavon City with two games left to play. Elsewhere there were wins for Lisburn Ladies Swifts and the 22nd Ladies.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
Our second league winners of the season are Lisburn Distillery Ladies who easily overcame Comber Rec Reserves to ensure, despite second place Lisbellaw winning at Maiden City, that it will be the Whites who are crowned champions with two games to go. Elsewhere Draperstown Celtic Diamonds defeated Banbridge Rangers whilst Futuro Falcons earned a battling point following a goalless draw at Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves with highlights from this game to follow on our social media.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
In Division Five the top two sides Antrim Town and Ballymoney United Reserves drew 3-3 in what was a highly entertaining game at Antrim Forum, highlights from which will be on our social media shortly. This result means Antrim continue to lead the table by two points with games now running out. There were also wins for Belfast Ravens II and Raceview this week.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
A comfortable win for Bloomfield over Donegal Celtic means that they are now one point away from securing Division Six. Ballynahinch remain in second place following a narrow 3-2 victory over Belfast Swifts with Ards Rangers and Shorts Women both picking up wins as well this week.
DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
This week’s games in the development league saw wins for Valley Rangers and Holywood Ladies over Oxford Sunnyside and Belfast Ravens III respectively.
PWC SUPER CUP
The long overdue PWC Super cup quarter finals were finally completed this week with a great win for fourth division league winners Lisburn Distillery who defeated Championship side Comber Rec ladies 6-0. This result set up a Lisburn derby in the semi-final as the Whites will now face high flying Lisburn Rangers Ladies in the last four, with Ballyclare Comrades Ladies taking on Bangor Ladies in the other semi-final game.
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 23 - 29 JULY
This week saw our NIWFA Electric Ireland leagues back in full swing as well as the completion of our last two league cup semi-finals, here’s our review of the action.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Ballyclare Comrades moved level on points with Lisburn Rangers at the top of the Championship, albeit with an extra game played, with a fine 3-1 win away at Foyle Belles thanks to a double from Molly Weir and a further strike from Ella Parker. Despite Foyle’s Torri Brown pulling one back for the hosts they remain rooted to the foot of the Championship.
Comber Rec came out on top of an eight goal thriller against St James Swifts winning 5-3 thanks to goals from Carys Woods (x 2), Nicola Elliott, Sophie Laughlin and Regan Montgomery with a Siobhan Bell hat-trick for the Swifts being scant consolation.
In the Division’s final game this week goals from Amber Dempster and Toni Stewart were enough to ensure Bangor won 2-0 over Belfast Celtic and in doing so remaining in third place in the standings.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
Despite a thumping win for Camlough Rovers over Larne Olympic, it is St.Oliver Plunkett who are now within touching distance of securing Division One with the Belfast based side only needing three points to secure the title.
Elsewhere Coleraine picked up their first win of the season with victory over Kilmore Rec, however despite this they remain rooted to the foot of the table and staring down the barrel of relegation.
In the Division’s final game this week Ballynahinch edged home 2-1 at Armagh City.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
Leaders Ballymoney United were held 1-1 at second placed Greenisland in a result which means United continue to lead the standings by one point with a game in hand from their hosts.
An Annelli Moore hat-trick saw Ballyclare Comrades defeat Ambassadors as they moved ahead of their opposition into third place in the table, while elsewhere it took a goal deep into injury time from Caitlyn Mitchell to secure all three points for Ballymena United Reserves against Belfast Ravens with the highlights from this game due to be online over the weekend.
In the Division’s final game Rosario were handed a walk over win v Portadown with that withdrawal meaning the Ports will finish bottom of the second division.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
With Strabane Athletic not playing this week Craigavon City took full advantage comfortably defeating Banbridge Town to move to the top of the table by one point however the County Tyrone side do have a game in hand.
Elsewhere in Division Three there were wins for Lisburn Ladies Swifts and Moneyslane Ladies over the 22nd Ladies and Dromara respectively with Moneyslane’s victory being their first of the season so well done to them.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
In a game of high standard of play throughout it was Lisburn Distillery who came out on top against second placed Lisbellaw United 3-2. This result sees the “Whites” open up a six point gap over their rivals and now well in the driving seat to win the division. Highlights from this game are now available to view elsewhere on our social media.
The remaining three games in the Division this week all saw victories without conceding as Maiden City beat Mid Ulster Reserves (2-0), Futuro Falcons beat Draperstown (2-0) and Banbridge Rangers beat Comber Reserves (5-0)
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Wins for Raceview and Belfast Celtic Reserves this week did little to impact the standings in Division Five with Antrim Town continuing to lead the way from Ballymoney Reserves despite both sides not playing this week.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
Bloomfield remain well clear at the top of Division six after victory over St Marys this week with Ballynahinch Olympic and Belfast Swifts also winning. Special mention also this week to Rathfriland Ladies who secured their first win of the season with victory over Donegal Celtic.
DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
Just the one game in our development league this week which saw Valley Rangers secure a comfortable win over Holywood Ladies
LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Finally this week we saw the last of our league cup semi-finals take place with Ballymoney United Reserves winning a penalty shoot out over Raceview to make the Division Five final v Antrim Town, and Ballynahinch Olympic edging home v Ards Rangers to secure their place in the Division Six final v Bloomfield
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 16 - 22 JULY
After its short summer break NIWFA football returned this week with a full round of league cup semi-final fixtures.
CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Ballyclare Comrades have made it through to this seasons Championship league cup final although they were pushed all the way by Foyle Belles before eventually winning 4-3. Indeed it took a late strike in injury time by Molly Weir to ensure their passage into the final after Mia Doherty (x 2) and Grace Logue had scored for the Belles with Kirsty Quail (x 2) and Olivia Leitch firing home for the Comrades. They will now face Lisburn Rangers in the final after St.James Swifts were unable to field.
DIVISION ONE LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Defending Champions Camlough Rovers will get the chance to pick up a second consecutive league cup trophy after they made it through to the Division One final defeating Larne Olympic 5-3 in a highly entertaining game at the Cliff with highlights from that game on our social media over the weekend. In the final they will meet Ballynahinch Ladies who comfortably disposed of Coleraine Ladies in the other semi-final.
DIVISION TWO LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Ballyclare Comrades have a second final appearance to celebrate as their Reserves edged home against Greenisland to also make it into the show piece finale. They will however face tough opposition if they are to win it with Ballymoney United Ladies laying in wait following a comfortable win over Rosario.
DIVISION THREE LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
A hat-trick by Sophie Graham set the basis for a comfortable win for Craigavon City over Banbridge Town which saw them make their way into the final where they will meet Strabane Ladies who received a walk over win v Shamrock Ladies.
DIVISION FOUR LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
The top two sides in Division Four will meet one another in the League cup final with Lisburn Distillery Ladies and Lisbellaw Ladies both making their way through from their respective semi-finals defeating Mid Ulster Reserves and Maiden City and with both teams having league and cup doubles still on their minds this should be an exciting final.
DIVISION FIVE LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Antrim Town Women are through to the Division Five final in their debut season after comfortably disposing of Belfast Ravens II thanks mainly to hat-tricks from Ashleigh Thompson and Nicole Jones. They will however have to wait until finding out their opposition after the other semi-final between Raceview and Ballymoney Reseerves had to be abandoned due to a player head injury.
DIVISION SIX LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Sadly the Division Six semi-finals were also impacted by another head injury with the match between Ards Rangers and Ballynahinch Olympic also having to be abandoned following a collision and subsequent concussion suffered by an Ards player. In the other semi-final league leaders Bloomfield remain on course for a double after easing past Belfast Swifts.
2023 NIWFA LEAGUE CUP FINALS – HOW THEY LINE UP
Championship: Ballyclare Comrades v Lisburn Rangers
Division One: Camlough Rovers v Ballynahinch
Division Two: Ballyclare Comrades Reserves v Ballymoney United
Division Three: Craigavon City v Strabane Athletic
Division Four: Lisbellaw United v Lisburn Distillery
Division Five: Antrim Town v Raceview or Ballymoney Utd Reserves
Division Six: Bloomfield v Ards Rangers or Ballynahinch Olympic
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 2 - 8 JULY
As we head into our short mid-season break there was plenty of action to report on in the last week of NIWFA fixtures, here’s our round up of the games played.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
It’s as you were at the top of the Championship with leaders Lisburn Rangers receiving a walk over following St.James Swifts being unable to field.
Second placed Ballyclare made sure that the gap at the top didn’t get any wider by defeating Bangor Ladies although they pushed all the way only edging home 4-3 in the end. The Comrades had led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Aimee Kerr and Ella Parker however goals from Amber Dempster and Lydia Clarke early in the second half rocked them back on their heels. Kerr then stepped up scoring two more to open a 4-2 lead and although Clarke then reduced the deficit to 4-3 following her second of the game the Comrades held on for the points.
In the division’s only other game this week a frantic first half saw Comber Rec’s Shannon McCullough and Foyle Belles’ Michaela McGilloway both netting hat-tricks and with Lucy Carville and Erin Mullan also both scoring before the break the half time score was 4-4 in a thrilling game. Second half however saw Comber take control with Carville netting two more to complete her hat-trick and Carys Woods netting a brace to ensure the hosts won 8-4.
Lisburn Rangers continue to lead the Championship by three points from Ballyclare with the Ger’s also notching up a remarkable stat of having scored more than 100 goals already this season.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
Just the one game played this week in Division One with Ballynahinch travelling to, and winning comfortably, at basement side Coleraine. A walkover victory for Larne Olympic saw the Inver Park based side move into second place in the table trailing leaders SOP by five points.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
Comfortable wins for Ballyclare Comrades Reserves and Ambassadors consolidated both their positions in the top half of the Division two table although with neither of the top two playing this week playing the standings remain the same with Ballymoney four points clear of Greenisland in second place.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
There was a full set of games played this week in Division three with leaders Strabane Athletic and second placed Craigavon both winning the although the Co. Armagh side were pushed all the way by Lisburn Ladies Swifts before eventually winning 2-1. Elsewhere there were wins for the 22nd Ladies and Shamrock Ladies.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
It was a great week this week for Lisburn Distillery Ladies who picked up two victories on the road to consolidate their position at the top of the table. First up they had a great win away to Maiden City and they followed this up with a comfortable win at Futuro Falcons. Nearest challengers Lisbellaw United are however keeping right on their heels as they won comfortably against Banbridge Rangers with Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves and, in their second game of the week, Futuro Falcons, securing victories over Draperstown Diamonds and Comber Rec Reserves respectively.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Leaders Antrim Town were made to fight all the way before overcoming Belfast Ravens II 2-1 in Division Five with only an injury time goal by Adele Dawson seeing them home. Ballymoney United Reserves edged home v Belfast Celtic with Raceview disposing of a young Lisburn Rangers Athletic side. Highlights from the Raceview game will be online over the weekend.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
The girls from Bloomfield, Ards Rangers and Belfast Swifts will all be smiling this week with all three sides picking up straight forward wins in Division Six. It’s still odds on Bloomfield who lead Division Six with an eleven point gap now having opened from nearest rivals Ballynahinch Olympic.
DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
In the Development League Oxford Sunnyside continued their strong start to the season defeating Holywood Ladies, with Wellington Rec winning the division’s other game this week by overcoming Belfast Ravens III.
PWC SUPER CUP QUARTER FINALS
And finally the first three sides to qualify for this seasons PWC Super Cup semi-final are all from the Championship as Bangor defeated SOP 3-2, Ballyclare defeated Lisbellaw 5-0 and Lisburn Rangers received a walkover win v Rosario. Highlights from what was an entertaining SOP v Bangor game are now online on our social media.
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 25 JUNE - 1 JULY
There was no shortage of action across all of our NIWFA leagues as we concluded June, here’s our round up across the games.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
The long awaited top of the table clash between Lisburn Rangers and Ballyclare Comrades didn’t take long to explode into life on Monday night with it only taking 17 seconds for Rangers Tierna Bell to break the deadlock. The Comrades then settled and levelled the game through a superb strike from Aimee Kerr and they then had to level the game for a second time through Molly Weir after Ellie-Mae Dickson had struck once again for Rangers. Molly Loughran then gave Lisburn the lead once again on 38 minutes and, try as they might, the Comrades couldn’t find an equaliser with a fourth Rangers goal from Caoimhe Mulholland securing a 4-2 win on the night. Highlights from this game can be found elsewhere on our social media.
Both Lisburn Rangers and Ballyclare then had second games this week with both securing comfortable wins against Foyle Belles and Belfast Celtic respectively. In the divisions other game this week Bangor saw off Comber 2-0 thanks to strikes from Emilia Quinlan and Amber Dempster.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
It’s as you were in Division One with the league’s top three sides St.Oliver Plunkett, Camlough Rovers and Larne Olympic all securing victories to leave SOP seven points clear at the top from Camlough with Larne one point behind that.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
The gap at the top of Division two narrowed this week as leaders Ballymoney were held 3-3 in a cracking game with Ballyclare Comrades Reserves thanks to a late leveller deep into injury time from the Comrades. Greenisland made sure they capitalised on the leaders slip defeating Rosario to close the gap at the top to only four points. Elsewhere Ambassadors defeated the Belfast Ravens and Ballymena United Reserves eased home against Portadown.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
Leaders Strabane Atheltic benefitted from the three points awarded to them from a walkover this week after Lisburn Ladies Swifts were unable to field although second placed Craigavon kept on their heels with a thumping win over the 22nd Ladies. Banbridge Town defeated Moneyslane and in the divisions final game Dromara Village and Shamrock Ladies drew 1-1 with highlights from that game due on our social media over the weekend.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
Draperstown Celtic were the surprise package in Division Four this week defeating the previously high flying Maiden City a result which sees league leaders Lisburn Distillery and second placed Lisbellaw United open up a six point gap at the top of the table after both sides had comfortable wins this week. In the divisions final game there was victory for Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Antrim Town kept up their 100% record with another win in Division Five to lead the way from Ballymoney Utd Reserves who also won this week. Belfast Celtic Ladies reserves completed the results in Division Five with a win over First Bangor.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
Bloomfield continue to storm their way through Division Six following a comfortable win over Belfast Swifts saw them retain their eight point gap at the top of the table. Elsewhere there were wins for Donegal Celtic, Ballynahinch Olympic and St Marys.
DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
Finally there were wins this week for both of the top sides in the Development league with those results meaning that Valley Rangers remain three points clear of Oxford Sunnyside at the top of the table.
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 18 - 24 JUNE
Plenty more thrills and spills across all levels of our NIWFA leagues this week, here’s our round up of all that happened.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
It’s as you were in the Championship this week with hat-tricks from Gracie Conway and Aimee Kerr ensuring a comfortable 6-1 win for Ballyclare Comrades at Comber Rec.
Lisburn Rangers were awarded a 3-0 walk over when injury-hit Bangor were unable to field a team with the net outcome from those two games meaning that the Rangers and the Comrades remain level on points at the top of the table. Next week sees the two sides going head to head for the first time this season which should give a clearer picture on who will be in the frame for honours come the end of the season.
The only other game in the Championship saw St.James Swifts come from a Caoimhe McTasney goal down to beat Belfast Celtic 3-1 thanks to a double for Siobhan Bell and a single strike from Anna Whibley.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
The top of the table clash in Division one saw St Oliver Plunkett pick up a valuable point from their visit to nearest rivals Camlough Rovers as the sides battled out a 2-2 draw. SOP remain 7 points clear at the top following this one. Kilmore Rec picked up three points from the only other Division One game played this week as they comfortably defeated Armagh City.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
There were wins this week for Ambassadors, Rosario and league leaders Ballymoney United this week with the closest game of the week seeing a thrilling game between Greenisland and Ballyclare Comrades Reserves eventually decided by a Aimee Allan strike. Highlights from this game will be on our social media over the weekend.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
There was a massive win for Craigavon City in Division three as they defeated league leaders Strabane Athletic to move within 2 points of them at the top of the table. A win for the 22nd Ladies over Shamrock saw them move into third place with the division’s final game seeing Banbridge Town and Dromara Village share 8 goals in a high scoring draw.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
With league leaders Lisburn Distillery not having a game this week their nearest opponents Lisbellaw and Maiden City both took the most of their opportunities to close the gap at the top of the table by easing past Mid Ulster Reserves and Banbridge Rangers respectively. The division’s other game this week saw Draperstown edge past Comber Rec Reserves 2-1 with highlights from this game to follow on social media over the weekend.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
It was home comforts all round in Division Five with home wins for Lisburn Rgrs Athletic (v 1st Bangor), Raceview (vs Ballymoney Utd Reserves) and Belfast Celtic Res (v Belfast Ravens II). Despite all this it’s Antrim Town who continue to lead the way in this division.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
Just the two games in Division Six this week with the seemingly unstoppable Bloomfield once again securing three points after victory over Shorts Women with Belfast Swifts being the other side to pick up the three points on offer this week.
DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
Just the one game was played in the Development league this week with Valley Rangers maintaining their 100% record following a win over Oxford Sunnyside.
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 11 - 17 JUNE
As ever there was plenty of action right across the country this week as league action returned after the cup games of last week, here’s our weekly roundup of the action.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Just the one game played in the Championship this week which saw Comber Rec ladies defeat Belfast Celtic 3-2. Comber had started the game well leading through Carys Woods however they were rocked back on their feet by two Celtic goals from Chloe Keenan and Ursula McCotter. Undeterred Comber fought back eventually winning the game through two goals from Shannon McCullough.
Elsewhere St.James Swifts were awarded a walkover when Foyle Belles were unable to fulfil the side’s fixture this week.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
St Oliver Plunkett remain top of the Division One table following a comfortable win this week over Kilmore Rec although Camlough Rovers kept themselves well in contention with a strong home win over Ballynahinch Ladies.
In the divisions final game Coleraine Ladies disappointing start to the season continued as they lost 0-2 to Armagh City Ladies.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
League leaders Ballymoney United made it seven wins from seven although they were pushed all the way by a battling Ambassadors side who were well in the game until the closing stages. Highlights from this game can be found on our social media.
Elsewhere there were wins for Greenisland and the Belfast Ravens with Rosario and Ballyclare Comrades Reserves battling out a 1-1 draw.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
League leaders Strabane Athletic had to come from two goals down to eventually win 4-2 at the 22nd Ladies with highlights from this exciting game due to be online on our social media over the weekend.
Banbridge Town won a great seven goal thriller away at Shamrock, with Craigavon City securing a comfortable win over Moneyslane in the division’s final game.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
The race for Division Four continues with all top three sides, Lisburn Distillery, Lisbellaw United and Maiden City all securing comfortable wins this week.
Plenty of goals in those games however in the division’s final game there were none to report as Banbridge Rangers and Futuro Falcons ended off goalless.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Antrim Town’s fine season continued with another victory which sees them remain top of the Division Five table although Ballymoney United Reserves remain on their tails following their fifth win of the season against First Bangor. Belfast Ravens II were the other winners this week in Division 5.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
Bloomfield opened a five point gap at the top of the Division Six table this week after comfortably defeating their nearest rivals Ballynahinch Olympic with St Marys withstanding the challenge of Belfast Swifts to remain in third place. The divisions two other games between Donegal Celtic v Ards Rangers and Shorts v Rathfriland both ended in draws.
DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
Just the one game was played in the Development league this week with Valley Rangers recording a comfortable win over Holywood Ladies.
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 4 - 10 JUNE
For most teams this week saw a change iof competition to the start of the NIWFA league cup competitions, here’s our weekly review of the action.
CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINALS
St.James Swifts breezed into the semi finals courtesy of a 11-0 win over Comber Rec thanks to goals from right across the team. Hitting the target on the night were Megan Copeland (x 3), Chloe Doake and Roise Thompson (2 goals each) and Tiarna Hunter, Lauren Mulligan, Brooke Baine & Rachel Dennison (one goal each).
Elsewhere a first half hat-trick from Ella Parker and a single strike from Aimee Kerr laid a strong foundation for Ballyclare Comrades to beat Bangor 5-0 with Parker adding her fourth on the final whistle.
In the cups other quarter final game Foyle Belles secured their first win of the season defeating Belfast Celtic 3-2 with all the goals in this one coming in the first half thanks to strikes from Foyle’s Kate Patton, Jenny Carr and Michaela McGilloway with Una Harkin and Caitlin Magill replying for the visitors.
DIVISION ONE LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINALS
Larne Olympic pulled off an impressive win at Adams Park defeating Kilmore Rec to make it into the last four of the Division One league cup where they will be joined by Camlough Rovers who had a super win at league leaders St Olive Plunkett and Coleraine Ladies who picked up their first victory of the season by defeating Armagh City.
DIVISION TWO LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINALS
It’s an impressive looking last four in the Division two semi finals with Balymoney, Greenisland, Rosario and Ballyclare Comrades Reserves all securing victories over Ballymena Utd Reserves, Belfast Ravens, Ambasssadors and Portadown respectively.
DIVISION THREE LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINALS
Shamrock Ladies had a great win over the 22nd Ladies to earn their place in the last four where they will be joined by Banbridge Town, Craigavon City & Strabane Athletic who had a narrow 1-0 win over Lisburn Ladies Swifts.
DIVISION FOUR LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINALS
The top three sides in Division four all made their way into the semi-final draw as Lisburn Distillery, Maiden City and Lisbellaw United all had comfortable wins this week. In the Divisions final game it was a much closer affair with Mid Ulster Ladies narrowly edging out Banbridge Rangers 3-2 in a game which saw Rangers battle back from 3-0 down. Highlights from this game are available to view on our social media channels.
DIVISION FIVE LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINALS
It took extra time before Antrim Town were able to edge home against into the last four with a goal from Samantha Greer seeing them home against Raceview with only 6 minutes remaining of the extra time to play. Elsewhere there were wins for Ballymoney Reserves and Belfast Ravens Seconds.
DIVISION SIX LEAGUE CUP QUARTER FINALS
This year’s semi-finals of the Division Six league cup will feature Ballynahinch Olympic, Bloomfield, Belfast Swifts and Ards Rangers, the latter of whom had to come from behind at Rathfriland Ladies to secure their place in the last four, Highlights from the game between Ards Rangers & Rathfriland will feature on our social media over the weekend.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
There was just the one league game this week in Division Four which saw league leaders Lisburn Distillery comfortably retain their position with am away win at Drapertown Celtic.
DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
This season sees the NIWFA hosting a development league for new sides hoping to secure their place in our official league next season. The standard of play has certainly been good so far with this week seeing victories for Oxford Sunnyside , Holywood Ladies and Valley Rangers. Other sides taking part in the Development league are Wellington Rec and Belfast Ravens III.
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 28 MAY - 3 JUNE
It’s already week six of our NIWFA season and the tables are now really starting to take shape, here’s our round up of this week’s action.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
With Ballyclare Comnrades having no game this week Lisburn Rangers wasted no time in powering their way to the top of the Championship table following a commanding win over Comber Rec thanks mainly to Amy Burden who hit a treble hat-trick in a formidable victory. Other goals in a one sided affair came from Molly Loughran (x 3), Erin Montgomery & Tierna Bell (x 2) with Ella Haugheey, Erin McGreevy, Natalia Keenan, Caara Tumelty and Helen Parker also on target.
Belfast Celtic were also amongst the goals this week with doubles from Caoimhe McTasney and Chloe Marley being backed up by strikes from Sara-lou McLoughlin, Caitlin Magill, Lauren Wilson and Emma Louise McGonnell easily seeing them home against a sole strike from Foyle Belles Michaela McGilloway. Foyle have now slipped to the foot of the Championship table.
In the Divisions final game this week an entertaining game saw Bangor and St James draw 2-2 at Clandeboye Park. Amber Dempster had given the hosts the lead with a tremendous free kick only for Courtney Moore to level the game. Bangor then retook the lead through an og before Brooke Baine scored to ensure the visitors took home a share of the spoils. Highlights from this game will be online on our social media over the weekend.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
St Oliver Plunkett now have a comfortable lead at the top of the Division One table with a four point gap and a game in hand over nearest rivals Larne Olympic following this week’s results, SOP had a strong win over Coleraine whilst Larne slipped up only managing a goalless draw at Armagh City. The divisions other game this week was a ten goal thriller with both Camlough Rovers and Kilmore Rec taking home a point each after a great game of football.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
It’s Ballymoney and Greenisland who lead the way in Division Two after both sides registered away wins this week over Portadown and Ambassadors respectively. Indeed it was the perfect away day in this division with Ballyclare Comrades Reserves and Rosario completing a clean sweep for the visiting sides following wins over Belfast Ravens and Ballymena United Reserves.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
Strabane Athletic continue to lead the way in Division Three following victory over Moneyslane with a victory over Dromara Village ensuring Craigavon are battling away in second place. 22nd Ladies recorded a comprehensive win over Banbridge Town, with Lisburn Ladies Swifts being the other winners this week with a win over Shamrock Ladies.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
Lisbellaw continue to remain hot on the heels of league leaders Lisburn Distillery following a straight forward win over Comber Rec Reserves whilst Maiden City also remain well in the chase following a home win over Futuro Falcons. In the divisions other game this week Mid Ulster Reserves disposed of Banbridge Rangers with Distillery and Draperstown due to meet on Sunday 9th June.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Wins for Antrim Town, Ballymoney Utd Reserves and Raceview mean that it’s the Antrim based side who lead the way after week six in division five with a three point gap over Ballymoney.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
Bloomfield underlined their league favourites status with a comfortable victory over Ards Rangers this week although St Marys continue to show that they are also a decent side winning against Donegal Celtic. The division’s other game this week saw Belfast Swifts fight back from a goal down to defeat Shorts 5-2 with highlights from this game now online on our social media.
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 21-27 MAY
Once again there was plenty of action across all of our NIWFA leagues and cups this week, here’s the round up of the games that took place.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
The Championship remains a two horse race at the top with both Ballyclare Comrades and Lisburn Rangers recording comfortable wins against St James Swifts and Belfast Celtic respectively. Cara Tumelty set the tone for Rangers netting five times against Celtic and she was ably assisted by Erin Montgomery (x3), Molly Loughran (x3) Amy Burden (x2) and Tierna Bell (x2) as well as single strikes from Natalia Keenan and Erin McGreevy.
Meanwhile for the Comrades Gracie Conway was the star of the show netting four times with two more goals coming from Aimee Kerr. St.James consolation came from Brooke Baine.
In the Division’s final game this week there was another straightforward win this time for Bangor who cruised home 8-0 at Foyle Belles, with Amber Dempster once again being the main protagonist netting four with Lydia Clarke (x2), Toni Steart and Jamie Jess completing the rout. The result sees Bangor move into third place in the standings.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
Victory for St.Oliver Plunkett over Larne Olympic this week saw the Belfast side move to the top of the table with a two point gap ahead of Larne in second place. Camlough won well against Coleraine to stay in touch at the top of the standings with Kilmore Rec having to come back from behind to defeat Ballynahinch Ladies 2-1.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
With just the two games in Division 2 this week, Greenisland made the most of the situation defeating Portadown to move level at the top of the table with Ballymoney, albeit with a game more played. Ballyclare Comrades Reserves also capitalised beating Ballymena Women Reserves to move within two points of the summit.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
Strabane retained their five point gap at the top of division three this week following victory over Dromara, although a win for Craigavon over Shamrock Ladies ensured the gap didn’t increase from last week. 22nd Ladies came out on top of a twelve goal thriller at Moneyslane, with Banbridge Town forced to rely on a solitary goal from Tiff Hegan to secure a win over Lisburn Ladies Swifts. (Highlights from this game will be online from Saturday night)
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
A convincing win for division four leaders Lisburn Distillery over Comber Rec Reserves means they remain on top of this table although Lisbellaw remained well in contention with a great win over Maiden City. Wins for Banbridge Rangers and Mid Ulster Ladies completed the results this week with Rangers win being their first of the season, so well done to them.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Antrim Town Women have moved to the top of Division Five following a great away win at the home of rivals Ballymoney Utd Reserve with the division’s only other game seeing Raceview picking up an important three points at Belfast Celtic Reserves.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
A little bit of history was made in Division 6 this week with Ards Rangers picking up their first ever competitive points as they defeated Rathfriland although that joy will have slightly tempered by a sending off of Suzanne Rea for two yellow card offences. The two teams setting the pace at the top, Bloomfield and Ballynahinch Olympic both brushed aside their opponents this week with the division’s final game seeing St Marys seeing off Shorts Women.
PWC SUPER CUP
Defending champions Lisburn Rangers Ladies are through to the quarter finals of this season’s PWC Super Cup competition following victory over plucky new comers Valley Rangers.
Elsewhere Rosario are also into the quarter finals after seeing off Kilmore Rec 5-1 and they will be joined there by Division 1 side St Oliver Plunkett FC who will have been delighted to take the scalp of Championship side St. James Swifts in an entertaining game last Monday night. Highlights from this game can be found elsewhere on our social media.
It took a penalty shoot out for Comber Rec to make the last eight of the competition after they drew 1-1 with Craigavon City. However things were more straightforward for Bangor Ladies who won 4-2 at Lisburn Ladies Swifts.
Making up the quarter final draw will be Ballyclare Comrades and Lisbellaw United both of who received walk over victories with the game between Strabane Athletic and Lisburn Distillery still to be decided.
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 14 - 20 MAY
It’s our weekly round up from across the various NIWFA leagues and cups.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
With Lisburn Rangers not having a game this week Ballyclare Comrades took full advantage to move to the summit of the Championship by romping home 17-0 against Foyle Belles. Aimee Kerr was once again the star of the show netting eight times with great support being provided by Gracie Conway (x3), Ellen McCartney (x2) and Daisy Conway, Ella Parker, Ava McCusker and an og making up the rest of the goals.
Elsewhere Bangor Ladies continued on their impressive start to the season winning 5-1 at Belfast Celtic thanks mainly to a hat-trick of goals from Amber Dempster who was ably assisted by Olivia Brown and Toni Stewart who netted one goal each. Celtics’ sole reply came from Caitlyn Magill.
In the division’s final game this week St James edged home 1-0 against Comber Rec thanks to a solitary goal from Megan Copeland.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
It’s Larne Olympic who lead the way in Division One however they had to settle for a point this week after a thrilling 4-4 draw at Camlough Rovers – however they will be kicking themselves not to have won after leading 4-1 with only 10 minutes left to play. All credit through to Camlough for a great fight back. Ballynahinch made the most of that slip to reduce the gap at the top to a single point after defeating Armagh City, with Kilmore Rec moving off the foot of the table following a walk over win over Coleraine who now find themselves in bottom place in the table.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
In Division Two Ballymoney won the top of the table clash v Greenisland to move clear at the top of the table while Rosario defeated Portadown. The divisions two other games this week ended in draws as Ambassadors drew with Ballyclare Comrades Reserves and Belfast Ravens drew with Ballymena Utd Reserves. Highlights from the game between the Ravens and Ballymena will be online on our social media over the weekend.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
Strabane have opened up a five point gap at the top of the third division table after defeating Shamrock Ladies, although wins by Lisburn Ladies Swifts and Craigavon City ensured the gap didn’t change from last week. Elsewhere Dromara Village recorded a fine win at Moneyslane.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
Lisburn Distillery have opened a three point gap in Division Four after inflicting the first defeat of the season on Lisbellaw – a result which also allowed Maiden City to move into second place in the table after they beat Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves. Futuro Falcons secured their first points of the season with a win over Draperstown and Comber Rec Reserves and Banbridge Rangers drew 2-2 in the division’s final game of the week.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Antrim Town made the most of Ballymoney United’s league inactivity this week to draw level at the top of Division Five following a win over First Bangor although something has to give when the sides meet one another this incoming week. Raceview and Lisburn Rangers Athletic were the other winners in Division Five this week.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
And finally in our league round up this week, it’s Bloomfield who sit top of Division Six with a 100% record with Ballynahinch Olympic moving into second place courtesy of a win over Shorts Women. Belfast Swifts defeated Ards Rangers to move into third place whilst the division’s final game saw success for Donegal Celtic Ladies.
PwC SUPER CUP
As well as league action this week, our PwC Cup competition got underway with wins for Kilmore Rec, Valley Rangers, Lisbellaw, Lisburn Distillery, Rosario, Lisburn Ladies Swifts and Craigavon. Highlights from Kilmore’s game when they took on Antrim Town are now online on our social media.’
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 7 - 13 MAY
We’re only three weeks into our new season but things are already taking to shape across our NIWFA Electric Ireland NI leagues, here’s our round up from the last seven days.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
The Championship appears to have already developed into a two horse race with Lisburn Rangers and Ballyclare Comrades both now six points clear of their closest rivals at the top of the table. Rangers comfortably won 8-2 at St James thanks to goals from Sophie Megaw (x3), Erin Montgomery (x 2), Amy Burden, Caoimhe Mulholland and Natalia Keenan with St James replies coming from Courtney Moore & Megan Copeland.
Not wishing to be outdone Ballyclare also picked up three points with Aimee Kerr being the star of the show netting all four goals as they defeated Bangor 4-2 at Clandeboye Park. Bangor’s goals in this one came from Amber Dempster and Olivia Brown.
In the division’s final game this week Comber Rec (goal from Lucy Carville) and Foyle Belles (goal from Molly Liddy) drew 1-1.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
There’s also a gap now appearing in Division 1 with Larne Olympic and St Oliver Plunkett making it three wins from three games played defeating Kilmore Rec and Armagh City respectively. In the division’s final game Ballynahinch Ladies picked up their first points of the season with a comfortable first win at Coleraine Ladies.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
Big wins for Ballymoney United and Greenisland mean both remain with 100% records in Division 2 although Ambassadors lost a little ground at the top after being held 1-1 by Ballymena Utd. In the division’s final game Ballyclare Comrades Reserves comfortably won against Portadown.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
Strabane are the only team remaining with a perfect record in Division 3 after winning away at Banbridge Town during the week and in doing so ending the perfect start to the league for the Town who had previously gone unbeaten. Shamrock also picked up three points with victory over Moneyslane with the divisions other games both ending 1-1 for Lisburn Ladies v Craigavon and Dromara Village v 22nd Ladies.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
The big game in Division 4 this week saw Lisburn Distillery defeating Maiden City 2-1 despite going behind to an early penalty for the visitors. This result sees the “Whites” of Distillery and Lisbellaw lead Division 4 with the latter defeating Banbridge Rangers during the week. Highlights from the Lisburn Distillery v Maiden City game will be available to view on our social media from Saturday night. Elsewhere Comber Rec Reserves defeated Futuro Falcons and Draperstown Celtic and Mid Ulster battled out a 1-1 draw.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Big wins from Ballymoney Utd Reserves and Antrim Town mean these two sides lead Division 5 with United leading the way by three points, however Antrim have a game in hand. Lisburn Rangers Athletic and Raceview Ladies drew 2-2 in an entertaining game at the Barbour playing fields.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
There were no less than 27 goals scored across the four games played in Division 6 this week with the net outcome meaning that Bloomfield lead the way in the standings with the league’s only other two unbeaten sides going into this one, St Marys and Ballynahinch Olympic, only managing a point apiece as they drew 1-1 last Sunday. Highlights from that game are available to view elsewhere on our social media. Belfast Swifts and Shorts Women were the other winners on the day.
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 30 APR - 6 MAY
The goals were flying once again in week two of our NIWFA leagues for 2023 –here’s our weekly review of the weeks games.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Lisburn Rangers underlined their status as league favourites with a resounding 14-0 win over Foyle Belles at the Brandywell Stadium on Wednesday night. Eve Reilly was the star of the show netting some five goals although Erin Montgomery wasn’t far behind scoring a hat-trick of her own. Other scorers on the night were Cara Tumelty (x 2), Molly Loughran, Tierna Bell, Natalia Keenan and an own goal.
Ballyclare Comrades kept themselves well in the race with a 9-2 victory over Belfast Celtic, Gracie Conway netting three, the returning Aimee Kerr and Ellen McCartney with two a piece and Ella Parker and Tara Gilmore rounding off the goals. The Celts consolation goals came from two strikes by Caitlin Magill.
And also winning 9-2 on the night Bangor Ladies bounced back from an opening day defeat to pick up the points against Comber Rec. Amber Dempster was the hero in this one scoring four goals with Claire Oakley scoring two and Toni Stewart, Emilia Quinlan and Lydia Clarke also adding to the tally. Consolation goals in this came from Laura Clarke and Heather Kerr and you can see highlights from this game on our social media on Saturday night.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
Larne Olympic and St Oliver Plunkett are the early front runners in Division One with both sides securing their second consecutive wins of the season this week. Larne defeated Coleraine at the Coleraine Showgrounds with SOP also winning away, this time at Ballynahinch Ladies. In the division’s final home Camlough Rovers bounced back from their opening day defeat to beat Armagh City.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
Division Two saw away wins from all of the games which were played with Greenisland, Ambassadors and Ballymoney winning against Rosario, Belfast Ravens and Ballyclare Comrades Reserves respectively. Unfortunately Portadown were unable to field a team this time so Ballymena United Women Reserves received a walkover victory.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
The big winners in Division Three this week were Craigavon City who, despite a valiant effort form the hosts, defeated the 22nd Ladies in a game where the highlights will be online soon. Banbridge Town defeated Moneyslane with Strabane Town defeating Lisburn Ladies Swifts at the Bluebell Stadium. The division’s final game saw Shamrock and Dromara Village battle out an entertaining 4-4 draw.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
Just the two games in Division Four this week, as with Banbridge Rangers and Futuro Falcons unable to fulfil their fixtures, wins were awarded to Lisburn Distillery and Lisbellaw respectively. Big winners on the pitch were Maiden City who disposed of Draperstown Celtic and Mid Ulster Reserves who defeated Comber Rec Reserves. On a separate front we congratulate the girls of Lisburn Distillery who pulled off a major shock in knocking Premiership side Larne Women out of the Co. Antrim Women’s cup.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Recently formed Antrim Town got their season off to a winning start with a 1-0 away win at Raceview Ladies with Ballymoney Reserves defeating Lisburn Rangers Athletic and Belfast Celtic Reserves defeating First Bangor thanks to a single Corina Murray strike.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
It’s Bloomfield and Ballynahinch Olympic leading the way in Division Six with both securing comfortable wins over Ards Rangers and Belfast Swifts this week. Shorts Women edged home against Donegal Celtic and St Marys won away from home at Rathfriland.
WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 23 - 29 APRIL
This week saw our NIWFA leagues return with a bang with scone fifty teams getting their season underway and netting some 151 goals in the process, here’s our weekly review of this weeks games.
ELECTRIC IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
The big story in the Championship this week was the success of two of our promoted teams from last season as both Ballyclare Comrades and Lisburn Rangers got off to fliers with the Comrades overpowering Comber Rec 12-0 at Dixon Park at a game played in front of over 200 spectators whilst Lisburn Rangers win 6-0 at, another side who were also making their debut in the Championship, Bangor
Comrades scorers on the night were Gracie Conway (x4), Aimee Kerr (x4), Olivia Leith, Emily Gilchrist, Tara Gilmore & Chloe Verner whilst for Lisburn Rangers Faye Loughran scored twice with Eve Reilly, Tierna Bell, Ellie-Mae Dickson and Caoimhe Mulholland also on the score sheet.
In the divisions other game this week St.James Swifts overcame dogged opposition in Belfast Celtic Ladies eventually wining 3-1 thanks to two goals from Megan Copeland and Chloe Doak although captain Siobhan Bell missed a penalty in the same game. Celtic’s consolation came from Emma Louise McGonnell. Video highlights from this game will be online on Saturday night.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION ONE
In a rematch of last season’s league cup final St Oliver Plunkett (SOP) opened their campaign with a home game against Camlough Rovers and once again it was SOP who took the spoils with a comfortable 4-0 victory with highlights from this game being available to view on our social media. Elsewhere in Division One it was home comforts with Armagh City defeating Kilmore Rec 3-2 and Larne Olympic defeating Ballynahinch Ladies 2-0
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION TWO
Division Two saw opening week wins for Ambasadors who defeated Portadown, Ballymoney United who won away at Ballymena United, Rosario who defeated Belfast Ravens and Greenisland who disposed of Ballyclare Comrades Reserves.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION THREE
Three of this week’s four games in Division three ended with the visitors coming away with the points as 22nd Ladies won at Shamrock, Strabane won at Craigavon and Banbridge won at Dromara Village. The only exception to this rule was a home victory for Lisburn Ladies Swifts who eased home with victory at the Bluebell Stadium over Moneyslane.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FOUR
Lisbellaw United lead the way in Division four following a thumping away win at Mid Ulster Ladies reserves although Lisburn Distillery are hot on their heels following an equally impressive win over the Futuro Falcons. Draperstown got their season off to a flier with a convincing win over Comber Rec Reserves whilst in the final game in the division this week Maiden City came out on tops in a eight goal thriller at Banbridge Rangers.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION FIVE
Division Five saw a number of closer encounters with new side Lisburn Rangers Athletic edging past First Bangor, Belfast Ravens Seconds edging home past Belfast Celtic Reserves and Ballymoney United Reserves getting the better of Raceview.
ELECTRIC IRELAND DIVISION SIX
Division Six this season consists of all brand new teams to the NIWFA and it was Ballynahinch Olympic who made the biggest mark in opening week with a strong victory over Donegal Celtic. Belfast Swifts also started well with victory over Rathfriland, Bloomfield won at Shorts and in our final game of the week St Marys overcame Ards Rangers.
2023 League Launch
The 2023 League Launch will be held at the Bluebell Stadium in Lisburn on Sunday 16 April.
Sunday 23 April sees the start of the NIWFA 2023 season, sponsored by Electric Ireland.
