Linfield Women kicked off their 2025 Sports Direct Women’s Premiership campaign with a well-earned point on the road, drawing 1-1 against reigning champions Cliftonville Ladies in a tightly contested season opener.

The two sides met just recently in the VBet League Cup, where Cliftonville edged a thrilling 3-2 encounter. That recent clash set the stage for another close contest—and this match delivered on that expectation.

The first half was a cautious affair, with both teams showing respect for one another’s attacking threats. Linfield looked the more composed side in possession and carved out the better chances. A moment of controversy came in the 35th minute when strong penalty appeals from the Linfield players and bench were waved away by the referee. Hannah Doherty came closest to breaking the deadlock before the break, her curling free-kick from the edge of the area whistling just past the post. The sides went into half-time goalless.

After the interval, the match came to life. Cliftonville emerged with attacking intent and created early pressure, but it was Linfield who struck first. In the 53rd minute, Zoe McGlynn made a crucial interception to dispossess Cliftonville’s Kirsty McGuinness, before delivering a superb through-ball to Cora Chambers. Chambers showed great composure to lift the ball over the advancing goalkeeper, giving the Blues a deserved lead.

Cliftonville pushed hard for an equaliser and nearly found it, only to be denied by a heroic block from Northern Ireland international Abi Sweetlove, who recovered brilliantly after the Linfield goalkeeper had been rounded.

The hosts eventually found their breakthrough late in the game. Abi Magee slipped a precise pass through to former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan, who rifled an unstoppable strike into the net—a contender for goal of the season.

The final whistle blew with the score at 1-1, a result that fairly reflected a spirited and balanced encounter. Linfield Women will now turn their focus to Friday night, as they welcome Crusaders Strikers to Midgley Park for their first home league fixture of the season.