Cliftonville finally got their All-Island Cup campaign off the mark with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Athlone Town at Solitude on Tuesday night. The Reds, who had been searching for their first points in Group C, delivered an action-packed performance that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute, courtesy of Danielle Maxwell. The forward, who recently rejoined Cliftonville from Burnley, showed her class by finding the back of the net and giving the home side an early advantage. But Athlone Town weren't about to roll over. Roisin Molloy leveled the score shortly after, setting the stage for a back-and-forth battle in north Belfast.
Teegan Lynch then put Cliftonville back in front, expertly converting a pass from Caitlin McGuinness. However, Athlone responded once again, with Noelle Murray slotting home to make it 2-2. Just when it seemed like the game could go either way, McGuinness stepped up to become the hero. In the 69th minute, she latched onto a long ball and fired a clinical shot into the bottom left-hand corner, securing the crucial three points for the Reds.
Meanwhile, defending Premiership champions Glentoran suffered a setback, losing 1-0 to Waterford. Danielle Burke's 16th-minute goal proved to be the difference, but the Glens remain second in Group D, holding onto a superior goal difference over Waterford.
In other action, Lisburn Rangers' search for their first points in Group B continues after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Galway United. Aoibhinn Donnelly opened the scoring early for the visitors, but Ellie-Mae Dickon equalized with a fine finish just five minutes later. However, Galway United took control from there, with Donnelly adding two more goals and Kate Thompson also getting on the scoresheet at Crewe Park.
As the All-Island Cup heats up, Cliftonville will look to build on this momentum, while Glentoran and Lisburn Rangers will be eager to bounce back in their next fixtures. For fans of women's football, this tournament continues to deliver drama and excitement across the island.