Cliftonville visited Seaview Stadium last night with Crusaders Strikers keen to take points off the current champions in the SportsDirect NIFL Premiership.
Strikers started well and stuck to a well drilled game plan. Mairead McCann coolly slotted home for their first.
Cliftonville had opportunities from free-kicks but failed to capitalise or put pressure on the Strikers’ goal.
Their second goal came from young Darcie McNeill expertly dispatching a penalty after McCann was pushed on the edge of the box.
Again, Strikers played the best football and eventually captain Amy McGivern scored to make it 3 nil at half time.
Cliftonville, as expected, started strongly, and had a few good chances.
Eventually, great work from their substitute Abbie Magee resulted in Louise McDaniel hitting a strike that brought them a goal.
At half-time the Sonic Blacks team were presented with the SBYL Boys’ cup by captain Julie Nelson.
A rejuvenated Cliftonville pressed harder and made more chances.
Fi Morgan hit the cross bar.
The ending was frantic and there were many yellow cards.
Surging runs by Magee continued to cause havoc but Strikers defended resolutely.
McGuinness came close at the end but wide.
The Strikers’ defence was amazing from front to back and ran out 3-1 winners.
Next game at home in the All Island cup against Cork City – Saturday at Seaview KO 6pm.
PHOTOS: Ephy McConnell