EARLY GOALS GIVE SION THE EDGE
Cliftonville Ladies lost ground in the title race following a 2-0 defeat at Sion Swifts thanks to two early goals in Strabane.
Aimee Mackin gave Sion the lead in the sixth minute before Tyler Toland doubled the advantage just after the midway point in the half, to move the hosts one point above the Reds.
Mackin had an early effort saved by Reds goalkeeper Caoimhe Callaghan in the fourth minutes but two minutes later broke the deadlock when Toland's corner found her at the back post, before a chested control and volleyed finish.
Chloe McGlade then hit the post as the hosts early dominance continued before a Toland free-kick forced another save from Callaghan.
Toland did double the lead in the 25th minute, the Irish international making no mistake from ten yards after being found by a Ciara Grant free-kick.
Grant herself almost added a third before the break, but was thwarted by Callaghan.
Swifts captain Kendra McMullan, making her first league appearance of the campaign, received a nasty ear injury in the second half, causing a lengthy stoppage and for the player to be taken to hospital.
Both sides forced pressure late on but it was the Swifts who won the three points to continue their strong form and end Cliftonville’s 100% start to the campaign.
Sion Swifts Ladies: McClure, Connor, Hyndman, Burns, McCarter, Toland, McMullan, Grant, Mackin, Brennan, McGlade subs Crompton (not used), McGlynn (replaced McMullan 60), Brogan (not used), Lynch (replaced McGlade 90), Brown (replaced Brennan 80)
Cliftonville Ladies: C. Callaghan, Moran, McEvoy, McMaster, Dempster, Simpson, Orr, McConnell, M. Callaghan, Connolly, Weatherall subs Robinson (replaced Simpson 90), Canavan (replaced Dempster 75), Da Silva (replaced McEvoy 46)
Substitution 
Substitution 
