Glentoran defeat Reds to reclaim Premiership title

Glentoran came out on top in a final-day decider with Cliftonville to win the Women's Premiership title with a 1-0 win over the Reds.

Cliftonville, who were unbeaten in 2024 on their way to a domestic treble, needed a win to bring the title back to Solitude while Glentoran knew a draw would be enough to win the league for the first time since 2023.

In front of a superb crowd at the Blanchflower Stadium, Northern Ireland midfielder Nadene Caldwell scored the crucial goal in the 66th minute when her header found the back of the net.

There were wild celebrations at full-time and Glens captain Jess Foy lifted the Women's Premiership trophy in front of the home support.

Caldwell has played a key part in the Glens success since she rejoined the club in 2017 after playing in Australia.

The 34-year-old midfielder said that "everyone played their part" during the 1-0 victory which means that the Glens finish the campaign five points ahead of the Reds.

"I am so proud of the players, everyone played their part tonight and done their jobs and thankfully we came out winners," Caldwell told BBC Sport NI.

"It was one of those games when one goal was probably going to win it and it could have gone either way and, thankfully, we got something to hold onto and now the trophy is going back to the Oval.

"The older you are, you appreciate these moments, and I enjoyed every minute of tonight."

The home side started the game stronger as Rachael Norney rushed off her line to deny Emily Wilson from connecting with Kascie Weir's through ball, before Orleigha McGuinness made a crucial clearance to divert Wilson's shot shortly after.

Kirsty McGuinness was then nearly gifted a chance after a defensive mistake, but stopper Ashleigh McKinnon was able to gather the ball.

Chances remained at a premium as the half progressed as Naomi McLaughlin's shot just wide from range.

The Reds started the second half with more urgency as McLaughlin's header was cleared by Foy and Teegan Lynch was unable to find a way past McKinnon just after the restart.

In the 57th minute, Aimee Kerr diverted Fi Morgan's chance off the line before Sofie Keenan dealt with Caitlin McGuinness' follow-up strike.

Glentoran took the lead on 66 minutes when Caldwell's header from a Demi Vance corner took a deflection and flew past Norney.

Cliftonville pushed for a quick leveller and McKinnon made a low save down to her right to keep out Kirsty McGuinness' free-kick.

Morgan then fired just wide before, at the other end, Vance's shot from the right wing crashed onto the roof of the net.

McKinnon was called into action one last time in the final seconds of the game when she denied McLaughlin's shot which was heading for the top corner and Glentoran were left to celebrate.

Elsewhere, Lisburn Rangers thrashed Linfield 5-0 with Derry the 3-0 victors against Crusaders at Seaview.