For the final SportsDirect NIFL league home match at Seaview Crusaders Strikers were keen to take all three points from title challengers’ Glentoran Women. Glentoran needed to win to defeat last year’s champions, Cliftonville. Ironically, Crusaders Strikers meet Cliftonville on Friday night for their last game.
The game starting at break neck speed and Glentoran were on the front foot – probing frantically to grab a goal. Both played skilful and neat football but neither could find a breakthrough. Glentoran created many chances but Maddy Harvey-Clifford rose to the challenge and Crusaders Strikers defence was solid. Against the run of play Amy McGivern nearly claimed the first goal when her header hit the post. It was a very dramatic first half and very exciting but no goals.
The second half started the same and Glentoran had quite a few chances. Harvey-Clifford made many saves. Eventually, the deadlock was broken with a controversial goal which was flagged offside but given. Demi Vance had nearly scored earlier but claimed the first goal. Both teams continued to play great football and ex Strikers player Emily Wilson showed great trickery to hit the crossbar and the ball dropped. It was unclear if all the ball crossed the line as Harvey-Clifford clawed it out, but the goal was given. The match became feisty and there was a flurry of yellow cards. Demi Vance curled a peach of a goal into the corner, in the last few minutes and wrapped all three points up. Glentoran Women claimed the NIFL SportsDirect Premiership cup back.
Next game against Cliftonville on Friday 13th at Solitude