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WEEKLY REVIEW 17 - 22 AUGUST

LOCAL WOMEN SPORT SUPER CUP AND BARCLAYS’ LEAGUE 
 
As season 2025 draws to a conclusion for the vast majority of teams there’s still plenty to play for in the NIWFA Championship as the clubs enter the home straight with the finish line in sight, here’s our review of this week’s action.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA CHAMPIONSHIP
With only three games left to play in the Championship a comprehensive 6-2 win for league leaders St. James Swifts over Bangor has moved them ever closer to title success. Four goals from Chloe Tully backed up by single strikes from Aimee Johnston and Chloe Doak did the damage in this comfortable win with Bangor’s replies coming from Emii Wynne and Amber Dempster.
 
This win left St. James four points clear at the top of the table from the chasing pack with only three games left to play however Mid Ulster and Sion Swifts won’t be giving up without a fight. A double from Jess Magee saw Mid Ulster defeat Ballymena United 2-0 in a result that also ended United’s hopes of the title for the season. United are now seven points off the summit but they have only two games remaining with Mid Ulster now finding themselves in second place some four points behind St. James Swifts with three games to go.
 
Sion Swifts kept their hopes of the title alive as well with a thumping 10-0 victory over basement side St. Oliver Plunkett with goals coming from all over the park in this one with Brooke Milligan, Rachel Barnaby, Hannah Gibson, Chloe Boyle, Caoimhne Heron, Grace Dickson & Madison McMenamin-Kirk (x2) all getting in on the act. Sion also trail St. James by four points.
 
In the division’s final game we witnessed a real thriller with Ballymoney eventually overcoming Ballyclare Comrades 5-4 at Paddy’s Park. Star of the show in this one was Aine McAllister who netted all five of Ballymoney’s goals with the Comrades Molly Weir not far behind as she scored a hat-trick. Comrades other goal on the night came from Rhian Weatherup.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION ONE
The big game in Division One this week saw Ambassadors hosting Strabane Athletic in what was effectively a “winner takes all” scenario. The two teams went into the game vying for runners up place in the table which would see them promoted to the Championship next year however third placed Ambassadors had to win the game against second placed Strabane whereas anything less than defeat would ensure the Co. Tyrone side would be promoted.
As it turned out the game was played in a highly competitive manner with goals flowing from both sides and the lead changing hands on multiple occasions before the final whistle was sounded with the sides level at 3-3 and as a result of this it will be Strabane Athletic who will be in the Championship next season – well done to all at Strabane. Highlights from this highly entertaining game can be found elsewhere on our social media.
 
Elsewhere in Division One league winners Craigavon City defeated Ballyclare Comrades Reserves 2-0 and in doing so completed their 100% winning record for the league season.
Comber Rec ended their season on a high defeating Ballynahinch Ladies 3-0.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION TWO
Champions Carrick Rangers Falcons ended their league season with a comfortable victory at Belfast Ravens, the 22nd Ladies picked up a fine at Coleraine and Maiden City and Armagh drew 2-2 in the division’s final game.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION THREE
In Division Three champions Ballynahinch Olympic won the dress rehearsal for the forthcoming League cup final defeating league runners up Belfast Swifts 1-0 whilst there were victories elsewhere for Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves, Raceview and Portadown.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION FOUR
Valley Rangers celebrated receiving their league winner’s trophy by overrunning Comber Rec Reserves on Friday night with top scorer Caitlin Rae nothing five more goals in this one to take her league goals tally to 52 for the season. That win also means that Valley completed their season with a 100% league winning record.
Oxford Sunnyside won the battle for the second place promotion spot defeating Ards Rangers 3-1 last Sunday – well done Oxford. Elsewhere St.Marys defeated Dromara Village.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION FIVE
Division Five this week saw victories for Greenisland Reserves and Wellington Rec with Holy wood and Draperstown Diamonds drawing 2-2
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION SIX
Just the two games in Division Six this week with Hanover involved in both as they defeated Donegal Celtic on Monday night but then lost to Bloomfield on Wednesday night.
 
NIWFA DIVISION SEVEN LEAGUE CUP
Ards Rangers are the first team into the final of the Division Seven league cup after they defeated Antrim Town swifts on penalties in the first semi-final that was played this week. The game originally ended 2-2 with Ards then winning on spot kicks.
 
LOCAL WOMEN SPORT SUPER CUP
And finally we have our first finalists in this seasons Super Cup after Ballymena United ended what has been a superb run in the competition for Division Two side Carrick rangers Falcons. United won the game at Taylor’s Avenue 2-1 on Friday thanks to goals from Lauren Hill and Megan Henry although they were pushed all the way by a gusty Falcons performance with a super strike from Shelly Stothers being the highlight.
United will now face either Ballymoney United or Sion Swifts in the final with those two teams meeting in the second semi final on Monday night. Highlights from the Ballymena v Carrick game will be online.
 
Round up by Colin Hopkins at 1880 Video Productions CIC

WEEKLY REVIEW 10 - 15 AUGUST

What a week this has been across our NIWFA leagues with more of our leagues now also having been decided and the Championship race heating up more than ever, here’s the weekly review of all that’s happened:
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA CHAMPIONSHIP
St. James Swifts were the big winners in the Championship this week winning both of the games they played and in doing so moving four points clear of the chasing pack at the top of the table.
Their week started with a hard fought 2-1 win at Greenisland on Monday night with goals from Chloe Tully and Katie Rose Rice seeing them home despite Erin McCauley’s late first half goal for Greenisland. After this result the Swifts then went on to crush St. Oliver Plunkett 8-0 on Friday night with Tully back on the score sheet with four more goals, a double from Rice and single strikes from Siobhan Bell and Chloe Doak completing the rout.
Not to be outdone Sion Swifts also scored big as they brushed aside Camlough Rover 10-2 on Friday night. Goals in this one came from right across the park with Zoe Green x2, Brooke Milligan x2, Hannah Gibson, Zahara Leckey x2, Caoimhne Heron, Zara McGourty and Aoibhe Judge all getting their names on the scoresheet with Rovers replies coming from Olivia Connolly and Katie Brophy.
The result means that Sion Swifts have now gone 11 games without defeat and yet, despite that, they find themselves still some four points behind league leader St. James.
Elsewhere Bangor’s pursuit for the title took a major hit when they lost 0-2 to Ballymena at Clandeboye Park. Megan Henry continued her rich goal scoring form of late in this one scoring both goals with the result keeping United four points behind St. James but Bangor now finding themselves some seven points off the top of the standings.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION ONE
A slip up by Ambassadors who drew 2-2 with Rosario coupled with a 5-1 win for Strabane Athletic over Ballyclare Reserves saw the Co.Tyrone side leapfrog their opposition and move into second place in the league table with only one more league game each to play and guess what? Yes the two sides meet one another next Wednesday night with both sides knowing that securing that runners up place may well open the door to a place in the Championship next season.
Elsewhere Champions Craigavon City brushed aside Ballynahinch Ladies 6-0 thanks mainly to a Sophie Graham hat-trick.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION TWO
With Division Two already decided with Carrick Falcons being declared Champions and Lisbellaw securing second place it’s now a matter of playing the season out. One team however who will wish it was only starting will be Coleraine Women who, after a sluggish run throughout the season, now seem to have found their form with their recent upturn in fortunes being continued this week after a 6-1 win over Belfast Ravens. Elsewhere there were wins for Lisbellaw and Armagh City Ladies.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION THREE
Despite the best efforts of Belfast Swifts who defeated Banbridge Town this week, it’s Ballynahinch Olympic who are the winners of the Barclays NIWFA Division Three league for 2025. Olympic secured the title following a hard fought 3-2 win away at Portadown so no doubt there will be plenty to celebrate when they host Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves in their final home game of the season this Monday night.
The Swifts victory (over Mid Ulster Reserves) coupled with Antrim Towns’ victory at Moneyslane sees the Antrim based side move into third place in the table.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION FOUR
Valley Rangers are the winners of Barclays NIWFA Division Four this season following a thumping 11-0 win over second placed Oxford Sunnyside earlier this week, a win which continues their 100% winning run for this season.
That defeat for Oxford, coupled with a strong win for Ards Rangers against Rathfriland, means that Oxford and Ards will battle it out in their last league game of the season for the right to finish league runners up. That deciding game takes place at Knockramer Park on Sunday 17th September with kick off at 2:00pm
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION FIVE
What a conclusion to Barclays NIWFA Division Five we have had this season. Carrick Rangers Falcons II and Greenisland Women II faced off in their penultimate league game neck and neck but with Greenisland with the better goal difference. Carrick therefore knew they had to win to secure the title on a head to head basis. They soon however found themselves 1-0 down on 12 minutes through an Aliyah Monthe strike for the visitors. Carrick then tied the game at 1-1 thanks to a goal from Carys Lloyd but then found themselves trailing 1-2 as Ciara Coates scored a second for Greenisland just after the interval. Carrick fought back and got a deserved leveller on 56 minutes through Laura McManus. All to play then and with only 12 minutes left to play a hero was born as Montana Mcfall scored for Carrick to secure them the title of Champions for 2025.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION SIX
This week also saw our Barclays NIWFA Champions for Division Six crowned as goals from Jane McStravick and SJ Reid saw Ballynagross Ladies win 2-0 against their nearest rivals Bloomfield a result which secured the title. Highlights from this game are now available.
 
NIWFA DIVISION SEVEN LEAGUE CUP
Victories for Antrim Town Swifts and Ards Rangers Women II mean that the final placings in the league section of the Division Six League cup were 1. Coleraine Women Reserves, 2. Antrim Town Swifts, 3. Ards Rangers Women II, 4. Belfast Ravens III and 5 Wellington Rec Athletic. These positions were then draw into 2 semi final places for the top four sides with the outcome of the semi-final draw being Antrim Town v Ards Rangers and Belfast Ravens III v Coleraine.
 
NIWFA CLUB PATHWAY LEAGUE CUP
Finally there were wins for Tristar, Newhill and Limavady United in the club pathway league cup. With one game left to play, the standings for the semi finals are yet to be decided.
 
Round up by Colin Hopkins at 1880 Video Productions CIC

WEEKLY REVIEW 3 - 8 AUGUST

BARCLAYS NIWFA CHAMPIONSHIP
Just how tight the race for the Championship is was clearly demonstrated this week as then league leaders Bangor hosted second placed Mid Ulster Ladies. In what was an entertaining, albeit tense encounter, it was Mid Ulster who took the spoils as a single goal from Katie Rose McNally saw them win the game 1-0 in a result which ended Bangor’s recent five game winning streak. That one result saw Mid Ulster move to the top of the Championship whereas Bangor slipped down to fifth place confirming just how tight this race is. Highlights from this game can be found online on our social media.
 
In terms of the other sides in the hunt for the title, St. James Swifts made sure they stayed in the race with an emphatic 8-2 home win over Camlough Rovers. Chloe Doak was the main reason for their victory netting on three occasions with Chloe Tully (x2), Siobhan Bell, Aimee Johnston and Megan Copeland also getting their names on the scoresheet. Olivia Connolly and Ellen McCartney replied for the visitors. This result saw the Swifts move in second place only two points off the summit but with an important two games in hand over leaders Mid Ulster.
 
Sion Swifts are now in third place, three points off the top, but with one game in hand and they maintained their recent fine form (unbeaten in 9 games) as they brushed aside Ballyclare Comrades 6-1 this week. It was braces all round for the goalscorers with Sienna Leckey, Brooke Milligan and Hannah Gibson all netting two goals each with the Comrades sole reply coming through a late strike by Eimear Ostermeyer.
 
In fourth place we now find Ballymena United who are three points behind the league leaders but in their case with no games in hand but still very much within striking distance. United won comfortably 7-1 this week against basement side St. Oliver Plunkett. Megan Henry continued her rich goal scoring form of late netting on four occasions in this one and she was ably supported by Freya Bonnes, Hannah Firth and Caitlyn Mitchell who scored one goal each. Grace Watkins scored SOP’s goal deep into injury time.
 
In the final Championship game this week Ballymoney United had led Greenisland through an Abby Alexander goal only for Lucy Redmond to equalise on 78 minutes with a goal which saw the game end 1-1. After having led the Championship only a few weeks ago Greenisland now find themselves in sixth place some five points behind the league leaders.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION ONE
With Craigavon having already secured the First Division crown last week the race for second place continues with Ambassadors (currently second with no game this week) being helped as third placed Strabane Athletic could only manage to draw 4-4 with Ballynahinch Ladies.
Craigavon themselves were in action but this week found themselves on the wrong side of a 0-4 score line against Comber Rec and in the divisions final game this week Ballyclare Comrades Reserves beat Rosario 4-2
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION TWO
Carrick Rangers Falcons are the NIWFA Barclays Division Two Champions for 2025 after a 3-1 victory over Coleraine on Friday ensured they will be crowned league champions this season. Shelley Stothers got them on their way on 7 minutes but when Coleraine equalised through Kyla McGivern it looked like there might have been an upset on the cards. The Falcons however responded well with goals either side of the break from Lyndsay Moore and Genna Brown securing the three points that confirmed the title. Credit to Coleraine in this one whose performance belied their lowly league position and you can catch the highlights from this one on our social media over the weekend.
Elsewhere in Division Two there were wins for Lisbellaw United and a fantastic win for Armagh City where four goals from Caoimhe Golloghy helped them record a 5-2 win over the Belfast Ravens.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION THREE
A single goal victory for Belfast Swifts over Moneyslane ensured they stayed within touch of league leaders Ballynahinch Olympic however despite this result Olympic only need one more win from their remaining three games to secure the title.
Raceview and Antrim Town were the other winners in Division Three this week.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION FOUR
It’s as you where in Division Four with the top three sides, Valley Rangers, Oxford Sunnyside and Ards Rangers all winning their respective games this week. Valley now lead second placed Oxford by 5 points with two games to play and with the two sides going head to head on Monday night the title could well be decided by the end of the 90 minutes play in that one.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION FIVE
Comfortable wins for Carrick Rangers Falcons II and Greenisland Women II mean that both sides continued their unbeaten league runs this season with the two teams now level on points at the top of the table. The only game in which they have played one another this season ended in a draw so head-to-head can’t split them although Greenisland do have the superior goal difference. The sides meet one another next week in a game that Carrick must win if they are to wrestle the title away from their rivals.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION SIX
Wins for Donegal Celtic (v Shorts) and Hanover (v Raceview Athletic) had no impact on the top of the table in Division Six with the league’s top teams Ballynagross and Bloomfield not playing this week. However the top two return to action this incoming week when they meet one another with anything other than a Bloomfield win ensuring Ballynagross will be crowned champions.
 
LOCAL WOMEN SPORT SUPER CUP
Three quarter finals took place this week with Second Division Carrick Rangers Falcons pulling off the biggest upset as they knocked out Championship side Greenisland 5-3 on penalties after the game ended 2-2. Elsewhere Ballymoney United also moved into the last four as they defeated Mid Ulster 2-0 with Sion Swifts securing the last semi final place after they ended the recent fine cup run of Valley Rangers winning 9-2
Ballymena United make up the last four after they defeated St.James Swifts as reported last week.
The semi final draw saw Carrick Rangers Falcons awarded with a home tie v Ballymena United with Sion Swifts having to travel to Ballymoney United in the other last four encounter.
 
Round up by Colin Hopkins at 1880 Video Productions CIC

WEEKLY REVIEW 27 JULY - 1 AUGUST

 
BARCLAYS NIWFA CHAMPIONSHIP
The race to be crowned Championship winners for season 2025 continues to be as tight as ever with Bangor now leading the division following a comprehensive 8-2 win at St. Oliver Plunkett thanks to a hat-trick of goals from Amber Dempster, a brace each from Emi Wynne and Aimee Stewart and Danielle Boyd completing the scoring. Niamh McGonigle did her best with two goals to keep SOP in the tie but ultimately Bangor were just too good on the night.
This result sees them level with Mid Ulster Ladies on equal points at the top of the table but ahead in head-to-head tallies. Mid Ulster won their game this week at home to Ballymoney United thanks to a single goal from Jessica Magee with their next game, away to leaders Bangor, already looking like it could be a massive game in deciding the final league standings.
 
Currently lying in third place are St. James Swifts who are two points behind the joint leaders but, with two games in hand on both of them, they will still be confident they can still go on to secure the title. This week saw them brush aside Ballyclare Comrades 5-0 at Dixon Park thanks mainly to a hat-trick from Chloe Tully who was supported by single strikes from Rachel Dennison and Roise Thompson.
 
Ballymena United continued their recent return to form with a fine 3-0 at Camlough Rovers. Megan Henry was again on target (twice) in this one with substitute Bonnes scoring the third. This result sees them occupy sixth place but only three points behind the league leaders given the tightness of the division.
 
And finally don’t be ruling out Greenisland and Sion Swifts who, despite both having no game this week, are currently in fourth and fifth place respectively in the table also only three points behind the leaders.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION ONE
Congratulations to Craigavon City who this week, following a 3-2 win at rivals Strabane Athletic, secured the Division One title for this season. This win was the latest in what has been a perfect season so far for the Co. Armagh side having played nine and won all nine on their way to the title – well done Craigavon!
Strabane’s defeat coupled with a single goal win for Ambassadors over Comber saw Ambassadors move into second place in the table and with Strabane and Ambassadors still to meet once more this season there’s still plenty to play for in Division one.
Elsewhere Ballynahinch Ladies defeated Rosario 3-1.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION TWO
A comfortable win for Carrick Rangers Falcons at Armagh City means that the Falcons now only need three points to secure the Second Division title despite nearest rivals Lisbellaw United also picking up a win on the road at Belfast Ravens.
In the Divisions final game this week the 22nd Ladies secured a hard fought 2-0 over Maiden City
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION THREE
Ballynahinch Olympic are now only one win away from securing the Division Three title following a fine 4-1 victory at home to Raceview this week.
Elsewhere all of the chasing pack also secured wins with away victories for Belfast Swifts, Mid Ulster Reserves and Antrim Town.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION FOUR
Any hopes of a late flurry by Ards Rangers to move them to the summit of Division Four suffered a major blow as they lost 0-2 to league leaders Valley Rangers earlier this week. This result leaves Valley eight points clear of Ards with only 3 games still to play with Valley also leading second placed Oxford Sunnyside by five points despite their big win at Dromara Village also this week,. St. Mary’s and Ballymoney United Reserves were the other winners in Division Four this week.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION FIVE
Four games played resulting in four away wins being recorded was how things panned out in Division Five this week with Greenisland Women II, Carrick Rgrs Falcons II, Belfast Ravens II and Draperstown Diamonds all securing wins. These results mean that Carrick and Greenisland remain locked at the top of the table with both teams still to lose a game this season.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION SIX
A forfeit Victory for Ballynagross coupled with the defeat of Bloomfield by Shorts means that one more win will secure the Division Six title for the Co. Down side.
 
LOCAL WOMEN SPORT SUPER CUP
Finally this week the first of the four Super Cup quarter finals saw Ballymena United produce a superb performance to defeat St. James Swifts 5-2 at Donegal Celtic Park. Four first half goals from Megan Henry (x2), Hanna Firth and Zoe McDowell gave United a strong lead at the break and although the Swifts pulled back two goals through Aimee Johnston and Katierose Rice a second from Firth secured the win for Ballymena. Highlights from this game can be found elsewhere on our social media.
 
Report by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY REVIEW 6 - 11 JULY

 
This week’s fixtures kicked off with the third round of this season’s Local Women Sport Super Cup competition and what a round it turned out to be.
Without doubt the biggest result of the night went to Fourth Division Valley Rangers, who steam rolled Championship side Camlough Rovers 16-3 to ease their way into the quarter finals. Once again it was Caitlyn Rae who led the way with five goals proving that she is more than capable of finding the target at any level of the local game.
There was joy also for Division 2 side Carrick Rangers Falcons although, despite taking a two goal lead against Lisbellaw United, they ended off having to qualify through a tense penalty shoot out after the game ended 2-2. Highlights from this game are available to view on our social media.
Another side through to the last eight who also needed to rely on a penalty kick decider were St. James Swifts who eventually got past Bangor 7-6 after the sides were locked at 2-2 at 90 minutes.
A potential surprise was on the cards at the Showgrounds, as Championship side Ballymena United were being held 0-0 by second division Maiden City at half time but once the breakthrough did come on 49 Minutes the goals started to flow with United easing home 4-0 by the end of the 90 minutes.
Ballymoney United won the all Championship tie against Ballyclare Comrades 2-0, with Mid Ulster Ladies being the final team to secure victory on the night as they won 4-0 to overcome Coleraine Ladies.
Late withdrawals by Newhill and Strabane Athletic led to Sion Swifts and Greenisland making up the last of the quarter final teams.
 
For the record, the quarter final draw came out as follows:
Mid Ulster v Ballymoney United
Valley Rangers v Sion Swifts
St. James Swifts v Ballymena United
Carrick Rangers Falcons v Greenisland.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA CHAMPIONSHIP
Despite making it a run of eight games unbeaten, Sion Swifts will look back on Wednesdays 2-2 draw at Ballymoney United as two points lost in what is proving to be an extremely tight race for the Championship. There was to be late, late drama in this one as, after Abby Alexander and Brooke Milligan goals had saw the sides looked at 1-1 on 90 minutes, the Swifts took the lead through Clarah Quigg on 92 minutes only for a 94th minute leveller by Layla O’Hara to ensure the game ended all square.
Bangor returned to winning ways at the expense of Ballyclare Comrades winning 4-2 at Dixon Park. Two goals from Amber Dempster and further single strikes from Emi Wynne and Olivia Marshall saw the Seasiders home with the Comrades goals coming from Deborah McCarthy and Rhian Weatherup.
In the Championships final game this week, Camlough bounced back to winning ways after their shock Super Cup exit as they comfortably disposed of bottom side St. Oliver Plunkett 7-1. The star of this show for Camlough was four goal Rachel McCabe with the supporting roles of one goal apiece coming from Katie Brophy, Olivia Connolly and Leanne Domican. SOP’s goal came in injury time and was scored by Niamh McGonigle.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION ONE
There were just the two league games in Division One this week with no real surprises as Strabane Athletic disposed of Rosario and Ambassadors beating Ballynahinch Ladies to remain in second and third places respectively.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION TWO
Victories for league leaders Carrick Rangers Falcons and second placed Lisbellaw Ladies in Division Two mean that they remain well clear of the rest of the Division Two standings with Carrick being three points clear of the Fermanagh based side. After the top two there is then an eleven point gap to the rest in this division.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION THREE
A late winner from Lindi Belo Ximenes saw Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves moving into second place in Division Three although their hosts Portadown were disappointed as they also had the ball in the net late on only for it to be ruled out for offside. Highlights from this game will be online shortly. In the divisions only other game Moneyslane won at Banbridge Town.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION FOUR
Valley Rangers made it nine games played, nine games won in Division Four this week as they strolled past St. Mary’s, with Oxford Sunnyside making the most of a free week for Ards Rangers by winning at Ballymoney Reserves to move into second place in the table. Comber Rec Reserves won the division’s final game against Rathfriland Ladies.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION FIVE
Victories for Greenisland Women II and Carrick Rgrs Falcons II mean that as we head into the short summer break, the two sides remain locked at the top of the Division Five table. Carrick’s single goal victory over Belfast Ravens II means that there is now a seven point gap between the top two sides and the rest of the teams in Division Five. Elsewhere in Division Five this week there were wins for Hollywood Ladies and First Bangor.
 
BARCLAYS NIWFA DIVISION SIX
Bloomfield Ladies defeated Raceview 2-1 this week in Division Six with that win taking them to within one point of league leaders Ballynagross who had a free week this week. In the final game in Division six this week Hanover and Shorts drew 2-2
 
Report by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY REVIEW 29 JUNE - 4 JULY

This week’s fixtures saw our NIWFA teams competing in their various league cup semi-finals with places in our show piece end of season cup finals up for grabs. Here’s our review of all the excitement.
 
CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
This year’s Championship League cup final will see a repeat of last season’s final, as Sion Swifts and St. James Swifts will face off against one another again for the trophy.
St. James made the final courtesy of a second half comeback at Ballymena United, eventually winning 3-2 after goals from Megan Henry and Zoe McDowell had given United a 2-1 lead at half time. St. James first half goal came from Chloe Tully with a Rebecca Curley strike and a second from Tully turning the game around in the second half.
 
Meanwhile, at Glenkeen Avenue, Sion Swifts emerged victorious from a tightly fought encounter with Greenisland, with the game eventually only being decided by a single late strike from Hannah Gibson in the 86th Minute.
 
DIVISION ONE LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Having lost last season’s Division Two final, Craigavon will be hoping to claim their division’s league cup this time around and they showed their determination to do so this week by brushing aside Ballyclare Comrades Seconds in their semi-final by 6-1 on Friday night. Their opposition in the final will be Ambassadors Ladies, who won an entertaining game against Strabane Athletic 2-0 thanks to goals from Anna Acheson (pen) and a well taken strike from Rachel McAdoo. Highlights from that game are available to view elsewhere on our social media.
 
DIVISION TWO LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
The league cup final for Division Two this season will see a repeat of last season’s Division Four final between Lisbellaw United and Belfast Ravens, which saw Lisbellaw win 1-0.
It took victory in a penalty kick shoot out to secure the Ravens place in the final after they drew 0-0 with the 22nd Ladies but it was a lot more comfortable for Lisbellaw who produced a spell binding display to beat Division Two league leaders Carrick Rangers Falcons 5-0 on Friday night.
 
DIVISION THREE LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
The top two sides in Division Three will contest the Divisional league cup final this season with victories by league leaders Ballynahinch Olympic (1-0 v Raceview) and second placed Belfast Swifts (3-2 v Moneyslane) ensuring both teams progressed to the show piece decider.
 
DIVISION FOUR LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Another repeat of a final from last season will see Ards Rangers take on Valley Rangers once again for their respective league cup trophy. Last time around, it was for the Division Five trophy. This time it’s for the Division Four Silverware. Ards will be breathing a sigh of some relief that said, having only made it through following a penalty shoot out win over Ballymoney United Reserves after the game had ended 2-2. No such problem for Valley, who easily overcame Comber Rec Reserves.
 
DIVISION FIVE LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
Greenisland Women Reserves have made their second consecutive league cup final after edging home 3-2 against the Reserves of Carrick Rangers Falcons with a late strike from Aliya Monthe securing the win. Last season, Greenisland defeated Bloomfield to win the Division Six final, this time around, they will face Draperstown Celtic Diamonds, who defeated Belfast Ravens Seconds on penalties after their game ended 2-2
 
DIVISION SIX LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS
There will be a new name on the Division Six trophy this season, and it will be one of either the Ladies of Ballynagross or Donegal Celtic. Ballynagross defeated Shorts in a high scoring encounter earlier this week with Donegal Celtic producing a determined gutsy performance to overcome Bloomfield 2-0 on Friday night. Highlights from the game between Donegal Celtic and Bloomfield will be online over the weekend
 
NIWFA BARCLAYS CHAMPIONSHIP
Aside from all of the league cup semi-finals this week, there was also one massive game in the Championship this week as Mid Ulster Ladies hosted St. James Swifts. Victory in this one would have taken St. James to the top of the Championship, however, an Eimear McGarrity goal quashed those hopes with Mid Ulster winning 1-0.
That result means Greenisland continue to lead the Championship from St. James by two points but with St. James are now down to one game in hand. Only four points separate the top five sides in the Championship in what is turning out to be a fascinating race to the wire.
 
NIWFA BARCLAYS DIVISION SEVEN
Ards Rangers Seconds are the winners of our Division Seven league this year with a comfortable win at Belfast Ravens III this week, drawing their league campaign to a successful close. Antrim Town Swifts also had a fine win to ensure that they finished as runners up in the final standings.
 
NIWFA BARCLAYS PATHWAY LEAGUE
Congratulations to Newhill, who have won the first ever NIWFA Pathway league, and they duly celebrated by comfortably beating Tristar. Carryduff defeated Limavady to guarantee the runners up spot with the division’s final game this week seeing Castle Ladies defeating Coagh United 3-1.
 
Report by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 22 - 27 JUNE

CHAMPIONSHIP
Week 13 of the Championship and we have new league leaders as Greenisland moved into top place in the standings for the first time following a superb 3-2 win at Ballymena Women in a game that was packed with excitement for the entire 90 minutes.
Greenisland had taken the lead through Lucy Redmond but United levelled the game through a well taken Megan Henry on 31 minutes.
The teams were locked at 1-1 at the break although it only took two minutes into the second half for the visitors to retake the lead as Redmond scored her second of the night. Once again United needed to fight back and that’s exactly what they did on 70 minutes as Henry slotted home her second following a great through ball.
All to play for then in the last 20 minutes and it was to be Greenisland who were celebrating as Rachel Patterson reacted quickest from her own blocked effort to make it 3-2 on 80 minutes and, despite plenty of effort from United, this was how the game was to end with Greenisland picking up a massive three points at the top end of the table. The question now on everyone’s lips is “Can the recently promoted side actually go on to win the Championship at their first attempt?”
Highlights from this game are available to view on our social media.
One side who will be determined to end Greenisland’s dream are St James Swifts who this week defeated Ballymoney 6-2 to move into second place only two points behind the league leaders with two games in hand.
The Swifts’ Chloe Tully was the star of this particular show netting four times to ensure the Swifts remained within striking distance at the top. Swifts other goals both came from skipper Siobhan Bell with the ever reliable Aine McAllister netting both of Ballymoney’s goals.
Elsewhere Mid Ulster Ladies had to come back from a goal down by Camlough’s Ellen McCartney with goals from Jess Magee, Amy Smyth and Eimear McGarrity seeing a second-half revival to ensure they returned home with the three points.
Finally, in the Divisions’ final game, basement side St.Oliver Plunkett must have thought they were on their way to the first win of the season as Grace Watkins gave them the lead against Ballyclare Comrades. The Comrades however had other ideas and took all three points thanks to goals from Rhian Weatherup and Deborah McCarthy.
 
DIVISION ONE
It took league leaders Craigavon City the entire first half before they could find the breakthrough against a resolute hard working Ambassadors with their resistance being eventually broken on 44 minutes as Amy McAllister broke the deadlock.. This changed the mood of the game and as the visitors had no option but to try to find an equaliser in the second half the hosts netted two more through Murray and Williamson to ease home 3-0 and in doing so create a nine point gap at the top of the Division One table.
Second placed Strabane had no game this week but elsewhere in Division One there were wins for Rosario (2-1 v Comber Rec) and Ballynahinch Ladies (4-2 v Ballyclare Comrades Reserves).
Highlights from the game between Craigavon and Ambassadors will be online over the weekend.
 
DIVISION TWO
It was away wins all round in Division Two this week with league leaders Carrick Rangers Falcons winning at the 22nd Ladies to retain a three point advantage over Lisbellaw who also won away from home this time at Armagh City.
In the division’s final game this week it was an away win for Maiden City who won 3-2 against Coleraine Ladies.
 
DIVISION THREE
With Belfast Swifts not playing this week, league leaders Ballynahinch Olympic made the most of their game as they defeated Banbridge Town and in doing so moved eight points clear at the top of the table over their Belfast based rivals.
Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves did have the opportunity to move into second place but were unable to take it as they lost at home to Raceview with Moneyslane securing victory in the division’s other game this week thanks to a late goal from Erin Easton saw them home 3-2 v Portadown Ladies.
 
DIVISION FOUR
Comprehensive wins for the league’s top three sides, Valley Rangers, Ards Rangers and Oxford Sunnyside mean that Valley continue to lead Division Four by five points from both of their nearest rivals.
 
DIVISION FIVE
Big home wins once again this week for Carrick Rgrs Falcons Seconds and Greenisland Women Seconds means that both teams remain neck and neck at the top of Division Five although Belfast Ravens II remain only four points behind following their success at Holywood Ladies.
In the division’s final game there was a five-star performance from Wellington Rec’s Cleo Hagan who netted all five in their 5-3 success at the 22nd Ladies II.
 
DIVISION SIX
Just the one game played this week in Division Six however it proved to be a big one as victory for Ballynagross over Shorts saw them open up a four point gap at the top of the Division Six standings.
 
DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY LEAGUE
Just the one game also in Division Seven this week with Coleraine Women Reserves winning a high scoring thriller at Wellington Rec II 4-3.
Meanwhile in the Pathway League there were comfortable wins for the ladies of Newhill, Limavady United and Carryduff Ladies.
Newhill lead the standings in our Pathway League six points clear of Limavady with Carryduff two points behind them in third place.
 
NIWFA LOCAL WOMEN SPORT SUPER CUP
Finally this week there were also four games taking place in the Super Cup with Pathway side Newhill causing the biggest upset of the night as they defeated high-flying fourth Division Oxford Sunnyside 1-0 thanks to an injury-time goal from Shana Morris.
Fourth Division league leaders Valley Rangers also had a great win beating First Division Ballynahinch United whilst there were also wins for Carrick Rangers Falcons and Maiden City. The draw for the last 16 of the competition can be found elsewhere on our social media.
 
Report by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 15 - 20 JUNE

CHAMPIONSHIP
Wow, what a week this has been in the Championship, with several teams unable to capitalise on others’ slip-ups in the race to be crowned Champions and, with it, potential promotion to the Women’s Premiership.
First up we had Sion Swifts who, on Monday night, made the journey to Stangmore Park to take on Mid Ulster Ladies knowing a win would take them to the top of the table. However despite all of their efforts and pressing they were unable to make the breakthrough and in the end were held to a scoreless draw. Highlights from this game can be found on our social media.
 
After this, Ballymena United had the chance to consolidate their position at the top of the Championship by grabbing a win at Ballymoney United. Indeed, things looked good when Chelsea Millar gave them the lead with her first goal of the season in the 8th minute. However, United refused to lie down and fought back superbly to eventually win 3-1 thanks to a double from Cleo-Neece Taggart and a late third goal from Abby Alexander.
 
Greenisland were next in line to secure the top spot as they hosted Bangor on Friday night but once again they stumbled despite taking a first-half lead through Erin McCauley. Bangor raised their game in the second half with Amber Dempster levelling on 73 minutes and a goal deep into injury time from Amanda Morton broke Greenisland hearts as they won 2-1.
 
The only team to benefit from all of this action was St.James Swifts who had no game this week. As it happens, there are now only three points separating the top five clubs in what is proving to be a remarkable Championship title chase.
 
In the Division’s final game this week, there were goals galore as Ballyclare won 8-3 at Camlough Rovers, with the Comrades’ Nina Morrison hitting a hat-trick in this one. Camlough’s goals came from Ellen McCartney (x2) and Olivia Connolly, with Ballyclare’s other strikes courtesy of Molly Weir (x2), Deborah McCarthy, Olivia Blain and Jorja McFerran.
 
DIVISION ONE
Ambassadors produced the result of the week in Division One as they travelled to high-flying Strabane Athletic and came home with an amazing 3-0 victory. This result, coupled with Craigavon City’s 3-1 win over Ballyclare Comrades Reserves, means that City now lead Division One by 6 points from Strabane.
In Division One’s final game this week Comber Rec had a fine 4-2 victory at Ballynahinch Ladies with this result seeing them overtake the Ballynahinch side in the table.
 
DIVISION TWO
Carrick Rangers Falcons had to fight back from a one-goal half-time deficit to overcome Belfast Ravens 2-1 in their game this week, with the result seeing the Falcons now move three points clear of Lisbellaw at the top of the table.
Elsewhere Maiden City romped home against Armagh City, whilst the Division’s final game this week saw the 22nd Ladies secure their first win of the season as they overcame a battling Coleraine Women’s team at the Hammer Complex. It seems that the 22nd always seem to keep their best performances for when our NIWFA cameras are present with some great goals in this game similar to when we covered one of their games last season. You can see the goals for yourself on our social media.
 
DIVISION THREE
A comfortable win for Ballynahinch Olympic over their nearest rivals Belfast Swifts in the top of the table clash means that the Olympic have now opened up a five point gap at the top of the Division Three table.
Mid Ulster Reserves defeated Antrim Town to leapfrog them into third place in the standings with the ladies of Portadown & Raceview also securing fine wins this week.
 
DIVISION FOUR
A thumping win for league leaders Valley Rangers at Comber Rec Reserves coupled with their two nearest rivals Ards Rangers and Oxford Sunnyside drawing 2-2 means that Valley now lead Division Four by five points. Valley’s Caitlin Rae scored six goals in their win taking her remarkable individual tally of league goals up to 29 for the season!
In the division’s final game this week Rathfriland’s testing season continued as they lost heavily at home to Ballymoney United Reserves.
 
DIVISION FIVE
Big home wins this week for Carrick Rgrs Falcons II and Greenisland Women II means that both teams remain neck and neck at the top of Division Five.
 
DIVISION SIX
League leaders Ballynagross dropped their first points of the season this week after being held 4-4 in a hard-fought game by Donegal Celtic Ladies. That result, coupled with victory for Bloomfield at Hanover means that the gap at the top of Division Six between leaders Ballynagross and Bloomfield is now down to four points.
In the division’s final game this week Civil Service bounced back from their disappointment of last week to defeat Shorts.
 
DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY LEAGUE
Just the one game in Division Six this week but what a game as Coleraine Women Reserves and Ards Rangers Women’s Seconds drew 3-3 at Coleraine University with that result bringing Ards 100% winning record this season to an end.
And finally, in our Pathway league, a combination of victory for Newhill over Carryduff and a 1-1 draw between Limavady and Coagh mean that Newhill now sit six points clear at the top of the standings.
 
Report by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 8 - 13 JUNE

CHAMPIONSHIP
Just the three games in the Championship this week but what an impact they may well have come the end of the season with wins for Sion Swifts, Bangor and Mid Ulster.
 
After the teams went in level at the break, Sion put the afterburners on in the second half of their game against St.James Swifts eventually winning 4-1 thanks to goals from Brooke Milligan, Hannah Gibson and a brace from Bronagh Gallagher with Roise Thompson scoring the Swifts goal. That result saw Sion overtake St James to move into second place in the table with leaders Ballymena United now well within their sights as only a two point gap exists between the teams.
 
Bangor’s recent return to form continued as they won an exciting match 7-3 away to Ballymoney United. Once again it was the second half which made the difference in this one as the sides went into the break locked at 3-3 thanks to goals from Ballymoney’s Aine McAallister (x2) and Cleo-Neece Taggart with Bangor replying in the first period through goals from Olivia Marshall (x2) and Janine Jess. Into the second half and cue Bangor’s leading goalscorer Amber Dempster getting her name on the scoresheet with no less than three goals. Add a final late strike from Tallon McMahon and the Seasiders eased home 7-3.
 
In what was a week of second half performances the Championships final game this week saw Mid Ulster Ladies bounce back from being behind to an Olivia Blain strike for Ballyclare Comrades at half time to turn the game around as goals from Rachel Rodgers and Eimear McGarrity saw them win 2-1
 
DIVISION ONE
Craigavon City remain top of the Division One table following a thumping win over Ballynahinch Ladies in a game played in absolutely atrocious weather conditions on Monday night. Highlights from this game can now be viewed on our social media.
Strabane Athletic remain right on the leaders’ heels after they also secured a win, this time over Ballyclare Comrades Reserves by 5-2, with the final game in Division One this week seeing Ambassadors and Rosario battling out a scoreless draw.
 
DIVISION TWO
A 4-0 win for Lisbellaw over Maiden City saw them draw level at the top of the Division Three standings with Carrick Rangers Falcons although the Falcons do have a game in hand after not having played this week.
Elsewhere Coleraine Women picked up their first win of the season with a victory over Belfast Ravens, with the division’s final game seeing the 22nd Ladies picking up their first point of the season after a 3-3 draw with Armagh City.
 
DIVISION THREE
Wins for Ballynahinch Olympic, Belfast Swifts & Antrim Town have seen those three teams moving into that exact order at the top of the Division Three table with Olympic two points clear of the Swifts and Antrim one further point behind. Highlights from the Antrim Town victory over Moneyslane are now available to view online on our social media.
 
DIVISION FOUR
The big game of the week in Division Four between the league’s top two sides saw Valley Rangers fight back from being 1-0 down at half time to win 4-1 at Oxford Sunnyside in a fiercely fought encounter. Highlights from this game will be available to view over the weekend.
Ards Rangers ensured that no matter what the result was in the game between the top two that they would benefit as they defeated Rathfriland 3-0 with that result moving them into second place in the table ahead of Oxford.
Comber Rec Reserves and Ballymoney United Reserves were the other winners in the division this week.
 
DIVISION FIVE
The top two sides going ito this week’s fixtures, Greenisland Seconds and Carrick Rangers Falcons, drew 2-2 in a highly entertaining game at Glenkeen with that result allowing Belfast Ravens II to close the gap at the top after they defeated 22nd Ladies II.
In the division’s other games First Bangor defeated Holywood 2-1 thanks to a late Chloe Davison winner, with Draperstown Diamonds drawing 2-2 with Wellington Rec.
 
DIVISION SIX
A fine 3-2 win for Ballynagoss Ladies over Bloomfield, thanks to a Jane McStravick hat-trick, saw them move six points clear at the top of Division Six, with Donegal Celtic also recording a fine win this time against Civil Service. In the division’s final game Raceview Athletic won a 10-goal thriller away to Shorts by six goals to four.
 
DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY LEAGUE
Coleraine Women Reserves and Ards Rangers Women Seconds were victorious in Division Seven this week with victories for Newhill, Carryduff Colts and Limavady United in the Pathway league.
 
Report by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 1- 6 JUNE

CHAMPIONSHIP
The twists and turns of the Championship continue to happen on a regular basis with this week being no different as a goal deep into added on time by Zara McGourty saw Sion Swifts pull back from two goals down to snatch a draw at league leaders Ballymena United. United had moved into a two-goal lead through strikes from Morgan Hanna and Megan Henry, with Brooke Milligan pulling one back for the visitors before McGourty’s late strike, which saw the points shared.
That draw will doubtless have been great news for St.James Swifts who, although they had no game this week, are now only two points behind United at the top of the table but with two games in hand.
 
And watch out for Greenisland Women who defeated Camlough Rovers 7-0 to move into third place and very much in the race for title honours as they now find themselves only three points off league leaders Ballymena with one game in hand. Three first-half goals (Rachel Patterson x 2, Rachel Kinner x 1) set the tone in this one with second-half goals from Lucy Redmond, Saskia Love and substitutes Nicole Wheeldon and Jessica Mulholland seeing them ease home.
 
Ballyclare Comrades also eased home 6-0 at Belfast Celtic thanks to braces from Rebecca Cousins and Isabel Campbell who were ably supported by single strikes from Deborah McCarthy and Molly Weir whilst in the final game of the day Ballymoney United’s recent fine run continued as they defeated basement side St.Oliver Punkett 9-1.
Goals in this one for Ballymoney came from Cleo-Neece Taggart (x3), Clodagh Moore (x2), Aine McCallister, Naomi McMullan, Abby Alexander and Chloe Campbell with SOP’s consolation strike coming from a fine solo effort for Lucy Loughen on 87 minutes. Despite the score line SOP deserve credit for battling right to the end with highlights from this game to follow on our social media shortly.
 
DIVISION ONE
Comfortable wins for Craigavon City (v Comber Rec) and Strabane Athletic (v Ballynahinch Ladies) mean that there is no change at the top of the Division One table with Craigavon continuing to lead the way by three points from Strabane in second place.
Ambassadors won at Institute to move into third place whilst a hat-trick from Amy Majury, including an injury time winner, saw Rosario edge home 3-2 against Ballyclare Comrades Reserves.
 
DIVISION TWO
Division Two league leaders Carrick Rangers Falcons were made to fight all the way before eventually overcoming Coleraine Women 1-0 thanks to a late winner from Rebecca Maxwell.
Lisbellaw United remained within 3 points of the leaders after a comfortable win at the 22nd Ladies with Belfast Ravens picking up three points on the road following an exciting 5-2 win at Armagh City highlights of which are now online on our Facebook and YouTube pages.
 
DIVISION THREE
Ballynahinch Olympic moved to the top of the Division Three table this week following a superb 3-0 victory at Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves saw them leapfrog not only their opposition but also Belfast Swifts who drew 0-0 at Moneyslane.
Elsewhere, Banbridge Town’s disappointing season continued as they lost heavily at home to Antrim Town, thanks mainly to five goals from Bethany Kerr whilst in the division’s final game this week four goals from Rebecca Archer saw Portadown ease home against Raceview. With only four points now separating the division’s top six sides Division Three looks set to be developing into a fascinating tussle.
 
DIVISION FOUR
Ards Rangers and Oxford Sunnyside both made the most of league leaders Valley Rangers game being postponed this week with both sides winning their respective games against Ballymoney Reserves and St.Marys respectively. These results mean that Oxford move to the top of the table by three points albeit with Valley having a game in hand. In the divisions final game this week Comber Rec beat Dromara Village.
 
DIVISION FIVE
There were no home comforts in Division Five this week with none of our home teams securing wins. The closest to recording victory were 22nd Ladies II who drew 0-0 at home to Carrick Falcons II however Draperstown Celtic Diamonds, Holywood Ladies and First Bangor ladies all slipped up at home to Belfast Ravens II, Greenisland Women II and Wellington Rec respectively.
 
DIVISION SIX
Bloomfield’s hopes of moving joint top of Division Six were shattered when they lost 0-3 to Civil Service meaning that Ballynagross, despite having no game this week, remain at the top of the standings. Elsewhere a late, late goal from Jess Orr saw Shorts edge home v Donegal Celtic with Hanover winning narrowly at Raceview Ladies Athletic.
 
DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY LEAGUE
The top two in Division Seven, Ards Rangers II and Coleraine Reserves both won their respective games this week whilst in the Pathway league there were wins for League leaders Newhill and Castle Ladies.
 
Report by Colin Hopkins

LEAGUE CUP WEEK REVIEW 25 - 30 MAY

It was a change in competition for our NIWFA sides this week as the various League cup campaigns across our leagues got underway.   Here’s our review of all of the action.
 
CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE CUP
The highest scoring game in this week’s Championship quarter finals saw St.James Swifts eventually overcome Camlough Rovers 5-4 in a tight encounter at the Camlough Stadium. Camlough had raced into a two goal half time lead thanks to goals from Ellen McCartney and Olivia Connolly before three goals in three early second half minutes changed the game. The Swifts pulled one back on 49 minutes through Katie-Rose Rice, however Rovers then regained their two-goal lead a minute later through McCartney. One more minute of play and it was back to being only a goal in it as Rice added her second to make it 3-2. Chloe Tully then scored on 65 minutes to level the game, and then an own goal on 76 minutes saw the Swifts take the lead for the first time. Camlough pushed forward in a desperate bid to level the game and indeed they did so on 82 minutes through Chloe Friary and then just as penalties loomed a late, late strike from Tully ensured the visitors won a truly amazing game 5-4.
 
Things were a lot easier for Greenisland Women who eased through 5-0 against Ballyclare Comrades thanks to an early goal from Saskia Love followed by goals from Lucy Redmond (x2), Rachel Kinner (x2). The match highlights from this game will be online shortly.
 
League leaders Ballymena United were made to fight all the way by Mid Ulster Ladies before booking their place in the last four of the competition thanks to a solitary goal from Claire Shaw on 62 minutes that saw them home.
 
And finally, Sion Swifts were the last side into the semi-finals as they defeated Ballymoney United 3-0 thanks to goals from Brooke Milligan, Ava Crozier and Hannah Gibson.
 
SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Greenisland v Sion Swifts ; Ballymena Utd v St.James Swifts
 
DIVISION ONE LEAGUE CUP
It took penalty kicks to decide the winner of the Rosario v Ambassadors tie after the sides drew 1-1 with Ambassadors finally edging home 6-5 after the spot kicks. They will be joined in the last four by Strabane Athletic who beat Comber Rec 1-0, Craigavon City who won 3-1 at Ballynahinch Ladies and Ballyclare Comrades Reserves who got a walk over win.
 
SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Ballyclare Com Reserves v Craigavon City ; Ambassadors v Strabane Athletic
 
DIVISION TWO LEAGUE CUP
Despite having been issued with two red cards Carrick Rangers Falcons comfortably made the last four in Division Two after overcoming Armagh Cty 6-1. They will be joined in the last four by Belfast Ravens, Lisbellaw United and Maiden City or 22nd Ladies
 
SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Carrick Rgrs Falcons v Lisbellaw United ; Maiden City or 22nd Ladies v Belfast Ravens
 
DIVISION THREE LEAGUE CUP
A Katie McDowell brace saw Raceview on their way to a 5-1 win over Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves with Moneyslane beating Antrim Town, Ballynahinch Olympic winning at Banbridge Town and victory for Belfast Swifts meaning these four sides will contest the semi-finals
 
SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Ballynahinch Olympic v Raceview, Moneyslane v Belfast Swifts
 
DIVISION FOUR LEAGUE CUP
Comfortable passages into the semi-finals ensued this week for Ards Rangers who beat Oxford Sunnyside as well as Ballymoney Utd Reserves disposing of Dromara Village. Valley Rangers’ fine form of late continued with a thumping win over Rathfriland whilst two late goals saw Comber Rec Reserves edge home at St.Marys.
 
SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Ards Rangers v Ballymoney Utd Reserves ; Comber Rec Reserves v Valley Rangers
 
DIVISION FIVE LEAGUE CUP
Draperstown Diamonds were the only winning side to concede a goal this week but they still eased home 6-1 against First Bangor. Elsewhere, there were victories without goals conceded for Belfast Ravens II, Greenisland Women II and Carrick Rangers Falcons II.
 
SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Greenisland Women II v Carrick Rangers Falcons II ; Draperstown Diamonds v Belfast Ravens II
 
DIVISION SIX LEAGUE CUP
Following a couple of withdrawals there was only one quarter final played in Division Six with Shorts Women winning to make the last four.
 
SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Hanover or Donegal Celtic v Bloomfield ; Ballynagross v Shorts Women
 
Report by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 18 - 23 MAY

NIWFA BARCLAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP
The top two teams in the Championship went head to head this week as St.James Swifts hosted Ballymena United – both sides unbeaten records went on the line at Whiterock. After what can best be described as a tough hard fought encounter with neither side wanting to lose, it was little surprise that the game was to finish goalless with the sides locked at 0-0. Despite the lack of goals this game showed the high standards that both teams are capable of with the result leaving Ballymena top by one point but with St.James still having a game in hand. Highlights from the game are now online elsewhere on our social media.
 
With the league’s top two sides drawing it opened the door for the chasing pack to close the gap at the top and this is exactly what Greenisland did by defeating Ballyclare Comrades 5-3. The Comrades had bounced back twice following goals from Erin McCauley and Lucy Redmond thanks to goals from Beth Galbraith and Deborah McCarthy but when Redmond and Aoife Burgess opened a two goal cushion for Greenisland in the second half there was to be no way back although the Comrades did reduce the gap to 4-3 thanks to a strike from Cerys Madden. Redmond completed her hat-trick as the game entered injury time with Greenisland’s 5-3 win moving them within 5 points of the top of the standings.
 
Defending champions Sion Swifts are also now moving into top gear with a comfortable 8-0 win over Bangor Ladies this week. Goals in this one were spread throughout the team with Hannah Gibson, Sienna Leckey, Brooke Milligan (x2), Zahara Leckey, Grace Dickson, Aislinn Coll & Rosie Harper all getting their names on the score sheet. Sion are currently in fourth place in the table also on 18 points.
 
Ballymoney United Ladies continued their fine resurgence of late once again this week easing past Camlough Rovers 5-0 thanks to goals from Aine McCallister (x2), Cleo-Neece Taggart and Naomi McMullan. This result saw the County Antrim side move up to 7th place in the table.
 
And finally this week Belfast Celtic forfeited their game against Mid Ulster Ladies with the three points gained seeing Mid Ulster move into fifth place in the table.
 
DIVISION ONE
The big game between the top two in Division One this week went the way of Craigavon City who defeated Strabane Athletic 2-1 on Friday night thanks to goals from Niamh Graham and Sophie Murray with Rachel McSparron replying. The result sees Craigavon move three points clear at the top of the Division One table.
Elsewhere in Division One Comber Rec picked up their first win in the league after defeating Ambassadors 3-2, Ballynahinch Ladies defeated Rosario and Ballyclare Comrades Reserves made the long journey worthwhile defeating Institute comfortably at Prehen.
 
DIVISION TWO
Carrick Rangers Falcons continue to fly high at the top of Division Two after a big win over Armagh City however the Belfast Ravens had their wings clipped following a 5-2 defeat at Lisbellaw. The division’s final game saw Maiden City defeat the 22nd Ladies whose tough start to the season continued as they continue to seek their first point of the 2025 campaign.
 
DIVISION THREE
League leaders Ballynahinch Olympic were held to a goalless draw at Raceview on Friday night and this result coupled with a win for Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves over Moneyslane saw the Mid Ulster team move to the top of the table. Portadown secured their first win of the season with a 4-3 win at Antrim Town whilst Belfast Swifts moved into second place in the table after a comfortable win over Banbridge Town.
 
DIVISION FOUR
A 2-1 Victory for Valley Rangers over rivals Ards Rangers in a game played on Friday night in truly horrible weather conditions saw what was a three horse race in Division Four moving down, at least temporarily, to a two horse race as fellow pacesetters Oxford Sunnyside also secured a comfortable win at Dromara Village. St.Marys picked up their first win of the season at Rathfriland with Ballymoney Ladies Reserves brushing aside Comber Rec Reserves in the division’s final game this week. Highlights from the Valley Rangers v Ards Rangers game will be online.
 
DIVISION FIVE
It’s still neck and neck between Carrick Rgrs Falcons Seconds and Greenisland Seconds in Division Five with both sides still on 100% winning records after this week’s fixtures.
 
DIVISION SIX
Bloomfield defeated Shorts 5-1 and Ballynagross defeated Hanover 6-2 to ensure both sides retained their 100% winning records in Division Six. The division’s final game saw Donegal Celtic and Raceview Athletic draw 1-1
 
DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY
Antrim Town Swifts won with ease over Belfast Ravens III this week in Division Seven with the only other game in this section seeing Wellington Rec Athletic win an exciting game against Coleraine Reserves 4-3.
Finally in the Pathway league victory for Newhill over Coagh United and a forfeit win for Carryduff Ladies means that those two teams continue to lead the way in this section. Limavady United defeated Castle Ladies 5-3 in the final Pathway game this week with special mention to Jess Glackin who scored all five goals.
 
Review by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 11 - 16 MAY

CHAMPIONSHIP
The big story in the Championship this week was league leaders Ballymena United dropping their first points of the season when they were held 2-2 by Mid Ulster Ladies on Friday night. Indeed it could have been their first loss of the season as they were facing down the barrel of the gun of defeat as they found themselves trailing 0-2 thanks to goals from Mid Ulster’s Rachel Rodgers and Jess Magee at half time. Whatever was said at half time however seemed to work and they levelled the game with strikes from Tash Bamford and Claire Shaw. However despite a frenetic end to the game neither side could find a winner.
 
Earlier in the week St.James Swifts had kept up the pressure on the leaders after they won away at Bangor, although they were pushed all the way in this one. Indeed it took a real captain’s performance from skipper Siobhan Bell who scored twice to secure the points in a 3-2 win. Amber Dempster had shot the “Seasiders” into an early lead only for Chloe Doak to level the game with Bell then giving the Swifts the lead. Dempster then made it 2-2 before skipper Bell ensured the points were going home with St.James with her second on 59 minutes.
 
What a season this is turning out to be for promoted Greenisland Women who this week secured their biggest win of the season as they routed Belfast Celtic 10-1. Summer signing Lucy Redmond was the star of this show netting five of the goals with a Jessica Mulholland hat-trick and a double from Rachel Kinner adding to the Celts’ woes. Sara-Lou McLaughlin scored Celtics’ only goal on the night with this result seeing Greenisland move into the top three in the standings.
 
There might not have been as many goals at Dixon Park but this game between Ballyclare Comrades and Ballymoney United produced a really superb game of end-to-end football with both sides playing their part in a real thriller. United had taken the lead through the highly impressive Aine McAllister with the equally impressive Deborah McCarthy levelling less than a minute later for the Comrades. A missed penalty for United followed and after that both goalkeepers deserve special mention for the amount of fantastic saves they pulled off to ensure the game ended 1-1. Highlights from this game can be found elsewhere on our social media.
 
And finally a five goal haul from Sienna Leckey coupled with goals from Niamh Coyle and Zahara Leckey saw Sion Swifts win comfortably at St Oliver Plunkett who are still looking for that elusive first point of the season.
 
The top two in the Division Ballymena United and St.James Swifts go head to head at Whiterock on Wednesday this week with ko at 7:30 Pm.
 
DIVISION ONE
There were wins for Division One pacesetters Strabane Athletic and Craigavon City, however Athletic were made to fight all the way before eventually overcoming Comber Rec 3-2. The two early pacesetters meet one another next week.
Victory for Ballynahinch Women at Institute saw them move into third place in the table with Ambassadors winning their second game in a row after they defeated Ballyclare Comrades Reserves 3-1.
 
DIVISION TWO
The Falcons of Carrick Rangers are flying high this week after a superb 4-1 victory at the home of their rivals Lisbellaw United thanks mainly to a Shelly Stothers hat-trick. This result, coupled with an amazing score line which saw Belfast Ravens defeat Maiden City 7-6, means we have a “gathering of the birds” at the top of the table with the Falcons leading the way and the Ravens now in second place. Elsewhere Armagh City won for the first time this season defeating Coleraine 2-1.
 
DIVISION THREE
A 2-1 victory for Ballynahinch Olympic over Moneyslane saw the Olympic move to the top of the Division Three table with highlights from this game available to view elsewhere on our social media.
Elsewhere Antrim Town had a convincing win over Raceview as did Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves over Banbridge Town and in the division’s final game Belfast Swifts and Portadown drew 1-1.
 
DIVISION FOUR
It was a “disappointing” week this week for Valley Rangers striker Caitlyn Rae who, after scoring seven goals in each of her two previous games, only managed six this week!. This time around it was Ballymoney United Reserves who succumbed to the Rangers.
That said despite all of their power scoring Ards Rangers and Oxford Sunnyside both kept pace with Valley at the top of the table after wins against St. Mary’s and Comber Rec Reserves respectively.
All three sides are currently locked on nine points with the two “Rangers” sides going head to head next week.
 
DIVISION FIVE
What’s the time in Division Five? Well this week it must be five to two as this was how all the divisions games ended this week with Holywood Ladies, Draperstown Diamonds and Carrick Falcons seconds all winning by this score line with the Falcons result seeing them moving into top spot in the table.
 
DIVISION SIX
Home victories for Bloomfield and Ballynagross saw these two sides move to the top of Division Six standings with Hanover’s away victory over Civil Service seeing them move into third place in the standings.
 
DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY
There was just the one game in Division Seven this week which saw Wellington Rec and Belfast Ravens III draw 1-1 whilst in the Pathway league Limavady United scored a convincing win over Coagh United with Newhill and Carryduff drawing 1-1.
 
LOCAL WOMEN SUPER CUP
The 2025 Local Women Sport Supercup competition got underway this week with the Preliminary round which saw Carrick Rangers Falcons, Antrim Town and Oxford Sunnyside all progressing into the first round proper of the competition following wins over Comber Rec, Portadown and Ambassadors respectively. They will be joined by Strabane Athletic who received a walk over win.
Following these results the first round LWS Super cup draw was also made this week with the games pairing Newhill v Oxford Sunnyside, Lisbellaw United v Civil Service, Carryduff Ladies v Maiden City, Antrim Town v Carrick Rangers Falcons, Valley Rangers v Ballynahinch Ladies, Coleraine v Castle Ladies and Strabane Athletic v Craigavon
 
Report by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 4 - 9 MAY

CHAMPIONSHIP
Even at this early stage the Championship is looking like it might be developing into a two team race to the finish line with both Ballymena United and St James Swifts now moving well clear of the remaining pack.  United kept their 100% winning record intact this week after casting aside an in-form Bangor team 4-0 thanks mainly to a hat-trick from Megan Henry. The other goal on the night came from skipper Tash Bamford with the result bringing to an end Bangor’s recent four game winning run. Highlights from this game can be found elsewhere on our social media.
 
St.James meanwhile also kept their 100% record intact after they comfortably defeated the leagues basement side St.Oliver Plunkett 7-0 at Whiterock. Katie-rose Rice led the way in this one as she also netted a hat-trick with her strikes being supported by other goals from Chloe Doak, Leah McAvoy, Roise Thompson and Debbie Boyd.
 
Elsewhere Ballymoney United Ladies will doubtless be ecstatic to get their first win in the Championship after they cruised past Belfast Celtic 5-1 at Paddy’s Park. Doubles from Cleo-Neece Taggart and Aine McAllister accompanied by a single goal from Layla O’Hara saw them home with the Celts consolation goal coming from Claire Rooney.
 
Ballymoney’s win lifted them out of the bottom two where they were replaced by Camlough Rovers whose early season woes continued as they lost 0-8 to Sion Swifts. It was Leckey’s at the double in this one with Zahara scoring a hat-trick and Sienna netting twice with further goals coming from Brooke Milligan, Aislinn Coll and Rosie Harper.
 
Finally in the Championship this week a real nail biter as Greenisland Women defeated Mid Ulster 4-3 with goals from Rachel Patterson, Erin McCauley. Lucy Redmond and Aoife Burgess. Mid Ulster had fought back from 4-1 down (goals from Eimear McGarrity and Sharagh Murphy (x2) to give the hosts a nervy finish but ultimately they held on to get over the line.
 
DIVISION ONE
Strabane Athletic made it two from two after defeating Rosario 4-2 this week with Ambassadors also picking up a win after winning 1-0 at Ballynahinch Ladies. In the divisions final game this week Comber Rec and Ballyclare Com Reserves battled out an entertaining 3-3 draw.
 
DIVISION TWO
Wins for Lisbellaw United and Carrick Rangers Falcons means both side have 100% records after two games played in Division Two although that stat will change this week when the sides meet one another in round three of the fixtures. Elsewhere Belfast Ravens started their season by winning their first game 6-1 v the 22nd Ladies.
 
DIVISION THREE
A second consecutive victory for Moneyslane ladies sees them the early leaders in Division 3 however not far behind are Belfast Swifts who this week defeated Raceview and Ballynahinch Olympic who drew with Antrim Town 1-1. The divisions final game saw Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves defeat Portadown 2-1 Highlights from the game between Belfast Swifts and Raceview will be online.
 
DIVISION FOUR
A truly remarkable feat in Division Four this week as Valley Rangers Caitlin Rae netted seven goals for the second consecutive week as her team routed St.Marys’. Not surprisingly Rangers are leading the way in Division Four however Ards Rangers and Oxford Sunnyside are level on points with the early pacesetters after both also secured wins this week over Dromara Village and Ballymoney Utd Reserves respectively. In the divisions final game Comber Rec Reserves defeated Rathfriland 3-1.
 
DIVISION FIVE
Greenisland Women’s Seconds and Carrick Rgrs Falcons Seconds are the early pacesetters in Division Five after both secured their second consecutive victories this week. First Bangor Ladies held on to defeat the 22nd Ladies Reserves 5-4 with Holywood and Wellington Rec battling out a 2-2 draw.
 
DIVISION SIX
In Division Six this week Bloomfield Ladies got their season off to a wining start v Raceview Ladies Athletic and Hanover bounced back from their opening day defeat to overcome Shorts Women.
 
DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY
Finally in Division Seven Coleraine Ladies Reserves and Ards Rangers Seconds both made it two wins from two games played whilst our pathway league is led by Newhill and Carryduff Ladies both of whom won their second consecutive games.
 
Review by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 27 APR - 3 MAY

 
So after five weeks of Championship action the remainder of the NIWFA league burst into life this week with all of our divisions getting underway, here’s our weekly review of all the action.
 
CHAMPIONSHIP
Ballymena United Women continue to lead the Championship after this week putting basement side St.Oliver Plunkett to the sword winning 9-0 at Whiterock. Claire Shaw continued her recent fine form in this one netting on four occasions and she was more than ably assisted by Megan Henry, Katie Wallace, Hannah Firth and Nikki McKendry who all scored a goal apiece.
 
St.James Swifts remain United’s closest rivals (three points behind with a game in hand) although they were made to fight all the way by a battling Camlough Rovers before eventually winning 5-2. The Saints Skipper Siobhan Bell led by example in this one netting twice with their other goals coming from Chloe Doak (x2) and a late Rachel Dennison strike. Rovers response came from goals by Olivia Connolly and Ellen McCartney.
 
Following a fourth consecutive victory, Bangor have now moved into third place in the standings after winning 2-0 at Mid Ulster Ladies. Goals in this one came from Toni Stewart and a retaken Amber Dempster penalty with highlights from this game appearing online on our social media shortly.
 
It’s been a superb season so far for promoted Greenisland Women who this week defeated fellow promoted side Ballymoney United 2-0 at Glenkeen Avenue. Saskia Love had give the hosts a perfect start scoring after only 3 minutes and Lucy Redmond secured the points with the second on 55 minutes. Greenisland are now up to fourth place in the table.
 
In the final Championship game this week Sion Swifts romped home 9-2 at Ballyclare Comrades with Hannah Gibson being the star of the show with a well taken hat-trick. Their other goals came from Brooke Milligan (x2), Mia Doherty (x2), Zoe Green and a debut goal from their recent signing from Linfield Zahara Leckey. The Comrades consolations came from Isabel Campbell and Olivia Blain.
 
DIVISION ONE
After securing promotion from Division Two last season it looks like Strabane Athletic and Craigavon City will once again be the teams to look out for as both started their respective season with comfortable wins over Institute and Ambassadors respectively. The Roses of Rosario also got their season off to a flyer defeating recently relegated Comber Rec 6-1 with highlights from this currently available to view on our social media. In the divisions final game Ballynahinch also got off to a winning start defeating Ballyclare Comrades Reserves 2-1 at Dixon Park.
 
DIVISION TWO
The opening week of fixtures in DivisionTwo saw big wins for Belfast Ravens (v Kilmore Rec) and Carrick Rangers Falcons (v 22nd Ladies) whilst recently promoted Lisbellaw also got their season off to a winning start by defeating Armagh City 3-1. The final game in this division this week saw the North West derby between Maiden City and Coleraine end 1-1
 
DIVISION THREE
Just the one solitary home win this week as Division Three got underway with Raceview being the only side to win on their home pitch with Moneyslane and Ballynahinch Olympic both securing away wins. The division’s final game saw Belfast Swifts and Antrim Town battle it out in an entertaining 3-3 draw with the Swifts’ Brooke Boyd scoring in injury time to ensure the points were shared.
 
DIVISION FOUR
Ards Rangers got Division Four off and running with a 4-1 victory in the north down derby at home to Comber Rec Reserves last Sunday afternoon and this was followed by three point successes for Valley Rangers, Oxford Sunnyside and Ballymoney Utd Reserves. Star of the show this week in the division was Valley’s Caitlyn Rae who netted on no less than seven occasions in their win over Dromara Village Ladies.
 
DIVISION FIVE
It was a successful week for most of the “Seconds” team’s as Division Five got underway with victories for the reserve sides of Greenisland, Carrick Rangers and Belfast Ravens. The only exception to the rule were the 22nd Ladies whose seconds team were easily overcome by Wellington Rec.
 
DIVISION SIX
There were winning starts in Division Six for Civil Service, Ballynagross and Donegal Celtic with the Celts hero being Nicole Johnston who bagged all five goals in their 5-1 defeat of Hanover.
 
DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY
There were opening day victories for Coleraine Women Reserves and Antrim Town Swifts to get Division seven underway with Newhill, Coagh United and Carryduff all winning on their debuts in the NIWFA Pathway league.
 
Review by Colin Hopkins