Cliftonville Start Title Defence With Linfield Draw

Champions Cliftonville were held 1-1 at home by Linfield on the opening night of the new Women's Premiership season.

The Reds went behind through Cora Chambers' effort in the 55th minute after the forward was picked out by Zoe McGlynn.

But former Northern Ireland international Marissa Callaghan equalised with just under 15 minutes to play to ensure the points were shared at Solitude.

The north Belfast side's nearest challengers last season, Glentoran, opened their campaign with an emphatic 6-1 win over Lisburn Ladies at Bluebell Stadium.

Kascie Weir and Aimee Kerr both scored twice in the victory, with Jess Foy and substitute Rachel Rogan also on target for the Glens while Morgan Shannon netted a late consolation for the hosts.

Lisburn Rangers started their season with a big win too as they beat Larne 5-0 at Crewe Park.

Gracie Conway opened the scoring after just nine minutes before Helen Parker and Sophie Megaw put them in a commanding position before half-time.

Conway added her second and her side's fourth before Anastasija Stanyte rounded out the scoring before the hour-mark.

Rebecca Mann also began the season with a double as Crusaders Strikers defeated Derry City Women 4-2 at Seaview.

Jessica Rea and Sophie Gargan were the others to find the net for the Crues who led 4-0 before Tara O'Connor-Farren and Cache Crumlish-Hawes scored for the Candystripes.