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Wednesday, September 23, 2026

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Sports Direct Women’s Premiership  

Cliftonville have been crowned Sports Direct Women's Premiership champions – without kicking a ball – after outgoing title holders Glentoran suffered a 3-2 defeat to Linfield on Sunday.

Brendan Lynch's side had put themselves on the brink with a 3-1 victory over Lisburn Rangers on Friday night, a result that moved them eight points clear at the summit. Glentoran knew only a win against Linfield at the Blanchflower Stadium would keep their fading hopes alive.

The visitors made the ideal start when Sophie McKnight curled home a superb free kick after just six minutes, only for Mia Moore to level four minutes later, finding space at the back post to calmly slot past the goalkeeper. The sides went in level at the break, but Linfield regained the lead four minutes after the restart through Zoe McGlynn. Cora Chambers then converted from the spot with eight minutes remaining to put the Blues firmly in control.

Glentoran refused to lie down. Jessica Foy pulled one back with three minutes left to set up a tense finale, but Linfield held firm to claim all three points and, in doing so, end the Glens' reign as champions.

It marks a third league title for Cliftonville, following previous successes in 2022 and 2024, and keeps them firmly on course for a domestic treble. They have already lifted the BOYLE Sports Women's Cup and will face Glentoran in the Irish FA Women's Challenge Cup final towards the end of next month.