Both teams had been recently beaten comprehensively by rivals Cliftonville Ladies and were keen to take three points off each other with Crusaders Strikers were smarting from their heavy Co. Antrim Cup Final loss on Monday night.
Both teams started cagey. Crusaders Strikers grew into the game and started to dominate. Darcie McNeill found herself unmarked outside the box and chipped the goalkeeper expertly. Linfield also had shots from outside the box but none troubled Harvey-Clifford. The half ended with a goal line scramble as Linfield managed to keep the ball out after a corner.
The second half started with Linfield nearly snatching a goal. Both teams lifted their game and McNeill poked home again after a fine shot by Beth Chalmers. Linfield kept plugging away and Maddy Harvey-Clifford pulled off a great save by tipping Halliday’s shot just over the bar.
A frantic ending sees Harvey-Clifford pull off some great saves. Excellent tackling from everyone and especially Caitlyn Hamilton results in a much deserved clean sheet.
Next game for the ladies are against Derry City Women on Wednesday 11th August at The Brandywell Stadium in the Sports Direct Premiership