Linfield celebrate All-Island cup progress

Eve Reilly fires goalwards for Linfield Women in the 6-0 success over Lisburn Ladies during Friday's Avenir All Island Group StageLinfield Women v Lisburn LadiesEve Reilly of Linfield has a shot blocked during this Evening’s game at Midgley Park, Belfast. Photo - Andrew McCarroll/ Pacemaker Press

Eve Reilly’s second-half hat-trick proved the highlight following a blank scoreline before the break at Midgley Park.

Reilly broke the deadlock off Keri Halliday’s delivery then converted from the penalty spot.

Number three wrapped up the treble and Bernie Ferreira joined play off the sidelines to make it 4-0.

Eva Miles made her mark with a first touch and Halliday closed out the scoring at 6-0.

The result has left Linfield Women with seven points from three fixtures in the Group B schedule alongside Republic of Ireland-based Peamount United Women and Bohemians, plus Friday’s opponents.

Other Northern Ireland Football League representatives across the four groups of the second edition of the Avenir Sports Women’s All-Island Cup are Cliftonville Ladies, Crusaders Strikers and Glentoran Women.

“If anybody had asked us seven points from nine when the All-Island draw was made I think I would have snapped your hand off for it to be fair,” said Linfield Women head coach Ryan McConville on the club’s official social media platforms. “So we’re delighted in regards to that...I guess we now look over the weekend and relax while all the other teams are playing and trying to get the results.

“It will be interesting to see how our group pans out and also how all the rest of the groups pan out.

“We still want the NIFL teams to progress...hopefully some more make it.”

LINFIELD WOMEN: Currie, McMaster, Sweetlove, Hutton, Chambers, S.Leckey, Halliday, Knox, Hampton, Breen, Reilly.

Subs: Donnan, Johnston, McConnell, E.Leckey, Marks, Ward, Ferreira, Myles, McConaghy.