Linfield Ladies make it a hat-trick of Premier League Titles

The 2018 Northern Ireland Women’s Football season came to a close this past weekend, as Linfield Ladies lifted the Premiership title for a third consecutive season. On a sunny Autumn day at New Midgely Park the reigning Champions took to the field in front of a jubilant packed house knowing the job was done and the trophy would be returning for another year. Performa Sports were delighted to be at the game to support Linfield, a current client, and capture what was to be a historic day for the club.

With the pre-match formalities complete both sides lined up. Linfield started brightly with Rebecca McKenna causing issues down the right flank, getting to the by line on several occasions only to see her crosses blocked or narrowly missing their target. In the 4th minute McKenna found the league’s leading goal scorer Kirsty McGuiness who made no mistake from close range. McDade doubled Linfield’s lead as the Blues started to take control, getting on the end of a back post cross, delivered this time from the opposite wing by Megan Bell.

Credit to the visitors Crusaders, who held strong until the end of the half, their keeper was in fine form but Linfield were not to be denied a third goal in the first half and in the 23rd minute Rebecca Bassett fired home.

The move of the game started in the 47th minute, with Chloe McCarron arrowing a diagonal pass to international team mate McGuiness on the left corner of the box. McGuiness opted to let the ball bounce but as it rose again she struck a sweetly dispatched half volley firmly into the mid right corner of the goal. A super way to cap off a tremendous goal scoring season for the striker.

Linfield wasn't finished there and with captain Sara Venney orchestrating proceedings in the midfield, she urged her team to keep pushing. Keep pushing they did as this time Abbie Magee found herself through 1 v 1 with the Crusaders keeper who made an initial stop but Magee was alive to the rebound and made no mistake in slotting home her first goal of the game, Linfield’s fifth.

5-0 the final score at New Midgely Park as the much anticipated trophy presentation was about to get underway.

Those players who played in the league campaign along with a dedicated team of backroom staff started a jubilant procession to receive their medals and make their way on stage where Sara Venney lifted the trophy in front of a delighted squad and home support. Congratulations to everyone involved in a magnificent season with Linfield Ladies from the Performa Sports team and we look forward to working together next season.