The website dedicated to women's football across the country, at ALL levels of the game

@en

Friday, August 28, 2026

Back to home page

Privacy Policy

Irish FA Women’s Challenge Cup

The Irish FA Women's Challenge Cup is down to the last four after Friday's quarter final ties.

Holders Cliftonville Ladies, Glentoran Women, Crusaders Strikers and Lisburn Ladies are all left standing following victories over Derry City Women, Linfield Women, Sion Swifts Ladies and Ballymena United Women.

The 'tie of the round' took place at the Blanchflower Stadium as Glentoran edged past last season's runners up Linfield.

Naomi McLaughlin opened the scoring for the Glens just after the half-hour mark, turning on the edge of the box before connecting with a high ball over the top. Linfield responded early in the second half when the league's leading scorer Cora Chambers found the net on 52 minutes, firing past Ellie Scott from the edge of the area after being played in by Sophie McKnight. However, McLaughlin had the final say as she struck again with 10 minutes remaining, producing a superb finish from wide on the left to secure Glentoran's place in the last four.

Cliftonville remain on course for a third successive Challenge Cup triumph after recording a thee-goal victory over Derry City at Solitude. The Reds took the lead on 34 minutes through a Cache Crumlish-Hawes own goal. Teegan Lynch then doubled the advantage three minutes before half time, before Louise McDaniel added a third just two minutes into the second half to put the result beyond doubt.

At Seaview, Crusaders defeated newly crowned NIWFA Championship winners Sion Swifts to progress. Sion Swifts showed their quality by keeping the game scoreless during the opening half, but the Crues moved into the driving seat after the interval. Alison Nelson and Rebecca Bassett found the net to give Crusaders a two-goal advantage, while Caoimhne Heron reduced the deficit with around 15 minutes remaining. Despite Sion's late pressure, Crusaders held on to secure their place in the last four.

The final semi final place went to Lisburn Ladies following a narrow victory over Ballymena United at the Showgrounds. With the sides still level after more than 80 minutes, extra time appeared to be on the cards. However, Mea Mezza struck from a corner with eight minutes remaining to seal a hard fought victory for the visitors.  

Source: irishfa.com