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Reds fight back to retain League Cup

Cliftonville Women etched their name into the history books, overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat Glentoran 4-2 and claim a record-breaking third successive Women’s League Cup title.

Glentoran surged into a 2-0 lead by half time, courtesy of Emily Wilson’s brace. However, Cliftonville mounted a spirited second half comeback, with Caitlin McGuinness scoring twice, Marissa Callaghan putting the Reds ahead, and Carla Devine sealing the victory in stoppage time.

The win marks Cliftonville as the first team to lift the Women’s League Cup trophy for three consecutive seasons. Glentoran struck early, with Wilson capitalising on a defensive mix-up between Orleigha McGuinness and Fi Morgan just four minutes in, slotting a low shot into the bottom right corner. Despite Cliftonville’s efforts, with Orleigha McGuinness’ header from a Kirsty McGuinness free kick saved by Ashleigh McKinnon and Aimee Kerr clearing a Callaghan set piece, Wilson doubled Glentoran’s advantage on 33 minutes. The striker latched onto Demi Vance’s through ball and fired past Rachael Norney.

Cliftonville emerged revitalised after the break, hitting the bar within two minutes through Teegan Lynch’s effort from another Kirsty McGuinness free-kick. Their pressure paid dividends when Caitlin McGuinness rifled a first time strike into the bottom corner from Naomi McLaughlin’s cross in the 48th minute. The stand-in captain then equalised on 62 minutes, heading in McLaughlin’s corner at the near post.

The Reds dominated the second half, with Glentoran struggling to penetrate the final third. Cliftonville completed their comeback when McLaughlin’s free kick was nodded on by Morgan to Callaghan, who headed home at the back post. Glentoran’s woes deepened when Kascie Weir received a straight red card for a foul on Morgan in stoppage time. Cliftonville capped their triumph in the 94th minute, as McLaughlin burst into the box and set up substitute Devine to slot home unmarked.

The result underscored Cliftonville’s resilience and cements their legacy in the competition, leaving Glentoran to rue their second half collapse.