Newly promoted Ballymena United Women are back in the Premiership for the first home match of the Sports Direct NIFL Women’s Premiership. Crusaders Strikers are no stranger to playing them from years ago and they know they will be a challenge this Sunday.
Ballymena United Women started strongly and both teams were very physical. Strikers were awarded a penalty after 2 minutes. Amy McGivern stepped up and stuck the ball sweetly but Ballymena keeper 27 Lucy Winton saved superbly. Crusaders Strikers were still on the attack and 13 Morganne Beggs stuck a perfect low shot into the corner. Unfortunately, a clash of heads lead to a lengthy delay for treatment to and then multiple substitutions. Natasha Bamford and Beth Chalmers had to be substituted. However, Ballymena didn’t give up, were strong in defence and worked hard to find a break through. They were nearly breaking the offside trap through their spritely 10 Megan Henry. Eventually, Crusaders Strikers struck again through a peach of a lob by Aimee-Lee Peachey.
The second started with an onslaught on the Ballymena half. Unfortunately, even Strikers’ substitute Meghan Ingram had be replaced due to injury. Lots of substitutions by both sides meant fresh legs as both teams started to tire. On 78 minutes Darcy Boyle tapped in a cross by Faith Johnston. Both teams played really well for their first game of the season. Ballymena United certainly battled hard and made an impressive start to their return to the Sports Direct NIFL Premiership League. However, Crusaders Strikers showed all their experience and strength by running out 3 nil winners.
Next home game is against Derry city Friday 3rd May.