Crusaders maintain 100% start with Cliftonville win

Evans double helps champions to victory

Late rally not enough for Cliftonville

Crusaders maintained their 100% start to the Danske Bank Women's Premiership season with a 2-1 victory over Cliftonville at Seaview on Wednesday night.

Rachel Evans scored twice in the first half to put the champions in control, but Cliftonville rallied after the break and pulled a goal back through Kirsty McGuinness.

The Reds pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to find a way through the Crusaders defence.

The result leaves Crusaders top of the table with nine points from three games, while Cliftonville are fifth with four points.

Crusaders started the game brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute when Evans fired home from close range after good work from Toni-Leigh Finnegan.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 25th minute when Evans headed home a cross from Finnegan.

Cliftonville improved after the break and pulled a goal back in the 65th minute when McGuinness headed home a cross from Kelsie Burrows.

The Reds pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to find a way through the Crusaders defence.

Crusaders manager John McGrady said he was pleased with his team's performance, but admitted that they had been given a scare by Cliftonville.

"We started the game very well and took control of the match," McGrady said.

"We scored two good goals and could have had more. But Cliftonville came out fighting in the second half and made it difficult for us.

"In the end, we managed to hold on for the win and that's the most important thing.

Cliftonville manager Paul O'Neill said he was disappointed with his team's first-half performance, but praised their response after the break.

"We were very poor in the first half and Crusaders deserved to be 2-0 up," O'Neill said.

"But we showed great character in the second half and came back into the game.

"We had a few chances to equalise but couldn't find a way through.

"Overall, I'm disappointed with the result but I'm proud of the way my team responded in the second half.