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Tuesday, September 15, 2026

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Reds and Glens to contest Cup Final

Holders Cliftonville and Glentoran have booked their places in the 2026 Irish FA Women’s Challenge Cup decider following semi final victories on Friday evening.

Cliftonville produced a dominant first half display to see off derby rivals Crusaders Strikers 3-0 at Dixon Park. The Reds made the perfect start, taking the lead after just five minutes when Caitlin McGuinness found the net.

Brendan Lynch’s side doubled their advantage shortly after the half hour mark. Kirsty McGuinness delivered a cross into the area and her sister Caitlin rose highest to head home her second of the evening.

Cliftonville added a third shortly before the interval, with Louise McDaniel getting on the scoresheet to put the holders firmly in control.

Meanwhile, Glentoran secured their place in the decider following a closely fought encounter with Lisburn Ladies at Solitude. The deadlock was finally broken with just over ten minutes remaining when Emma McMaster delivered a cross into the area, with Gracie Conway rising to head the ball home and seal a 1-0 victory.

The final will take place at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park on Saturday 24 October, with Cliftonville aiming to retain the trophy for a third successive season and Glentoran looking to claim the silverware for the first time since defeating the Reds in 2023.