Q Radio Sport
Linfield have won the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership for the fourth successive season, pipping Sion Swifts to the title on goal difference.
The Blues needed to win at Derry City by seven goals or more on Wednesday night but comfortably surpassed the target - running out 10-0 victors at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Captain Kirsty McGuinness was once again the main source of the goals for the champions - netting five times to bring her personal tally for the league season up to 32 strikes in just 21 matches.
Rebecca Bassett also hit a hat-trick for the rampant Blues with Rebecca McKenna and Chloe McCarron also on target for the champions.
It was a night of frustration for Sion Swifts - who did not play this week - who missed out on their first ever top-flight title by just four goals following a wonderful campaign.
🎥 @LinfieldLadies #DanskeWomensPrem champions FOUR IN A ROW FOUR IN A ROW FOUR IN A ROW FOUR IN A ROW @OfficialBlues pic.twitter.com/RQtkdG0erV
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 25, 2019
🎥 Sister act! @KirstyMcG11 & @CaitlinMcGuinn4 have well over 50 goals between them this season for #DanskeWomensPrem champions @LinfieldLadies - skipper Kirsty hit 5 v Derry to bring league total to 32 & help clinch record 4th title in a row. Now it’s party time! @OfficialBlues pic.twitter.com/w2e1cimG8a
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 25, 2019
🎥 Dedicated...@OfficialBlues director Andy Conn massive advocate for women’s (& men’s) football. Ever-present @LinfieldLadies games during title triumph despite devastating personal tragedy - losing both parents this summer: “Mum & dad will be looking down, pleased & proud...” pic.twitter.com/qmob7F5Gym
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 25, 2019
🎥 @LinfieldLadies coach @alanp1771 - 1st call minutes after winning league was to daughter Lauren, Linfield’s international star goalkeeper back at uni in England but still joining in the #DanskeWomensPrem title celebrations! @OfficialBlues pic.twitter.com/N6XLbSgoRF
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 25, 2019
🎥 Premiership-winning @LinfieldLadies boss Phil Lewis pays tribute to his players - and to title rivals @SionSwiftsLFC #DanskeWomensPrem @OfficialBlues pic.twitter.com/NgRezR0hm9
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 25, 2019
Derry - who had two red cards on the night - will retain their Premiership status next season as Comber Rec were relegated following a 3-0 home defeat against Crusaders.
Winky Kerr’s side needed at least a point to regain their top-flight status in their inaugural season at this level, while the Crues ended their campaign in fifth place with three successive victories.
Mairead McCann got the first two of the night for the North Belfast side with Faith Johnston also on target, while Nadine Murphy brought her 25-season playing career with the club to an end.
Glentoran ran out 7-1 victors at Cliftonville - the Glens won all three domestic cup competitions this season but end the campaign in third place in the Premiership.
Sam Kelly netted a hat-trick for the Glens with striker Rachel Rogan adding another two - ensuring she finishes the campaign as second top goalscorer in the league with 18 - while Emma McMaster and Yasmin White were the others scorers.
This is how it all finished...@LinfieldLadies win #DanskeWomensPrem for 4th successive season, pipping @SionSwiftsLFC to title on goal difference on closing night.@derrycityfcw retain Premiership status next season as @ComberRecLadies relegated. pic.twitter.com/BWGY3wdaKL
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 25, 2019
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