News 2025 – N.I.W.F.A.

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 15 - 20 JUNE

CHAMPIONSHIP

Wow, what a week this has been in the Championship, with several teams unable to capitalise on others’ slip-ups in the race to be crowned Champions and, with it, potential promotion to the Women’s Premiership.

First up we had Sion Swifts who, on Monday night, made the journey to Stangmore Park to take on Mid Ulster Ladies knowing a win would take them to the top of the table. However despite all of their efforts and pressing they were unable to make the breakthrough and in the end were held to a scoreless draw. Highlights from this game can be found on our social media.

After this, Ballymena United had the chance to consolidate their position at the top of the Championship by grabbing a win at Ballymoney United. Indeed, things looked good when Chelsea Millar gave them the lead with her first goal of the season in the 8th minute. However, United refused to lie down and fought back superbly to eventually win 3-1 thanks to a double from Cleo-Neece Taggart and a late third goal from Abby Alexander.

Greenisland were next in line to secure the top spot as they hosted Bangor on Friday night but once again they stumbled despite taking a first-half lead through Erin McCauley. Bangor raised their game in the second half with Amber Dempster levelling on 73 minutes and a goal deep into injury time from Amanda Morton broke Greenisland hearts as they won 2-1.

The only team to benefit from all of this action was St.James Swifts who had no game this week. As it happens, there are now only three points separating the top five clubs in what is proving to be a remarkable Championship title chase.

In the Division’s final game this week, there were goals galore as Ballyclare won 8-3 at Camlough Rovers, with the Comrades’ Nina Morrison hitting a hat-trick in this one. Camlough’s goals came from Ellen McCartney (x2) and Olivia Connolly, with Ballyclare’s other strikes courtesy of Molly Weir (x2), Deborah McCarthy, Olivia Blain and Jorja McFerran.

DIVISION ONE

Ambassadors produced the result of the week in Division One as they travelled to high-flying Strabane Athletic and came home with an amazing 3-0 victory. This result, coupled with Craigavon City’s 3-1 win over Ballyclare Comrades Reserves, means that City now lead Division One by 6 points from Strabane.

In Division One’s final game this week Comber Rec had a fine 4-2 victory at Ballynahinch Ladies with this result seeing them overtake the Ballynahinch side in the table.

DIVISION TWO

Carrick Rangers Falcons had to fight back from a one-goal half-time deficit to overcome Belfast Ravens 2-1 in their game this week, with the result seeing the Falcons now move three points clear of Lisbellaw at the top of the table.

Elsewhere Maiden City romped home against Armagh City, whilst the Division’s final game this week saw the 22nd Ladies secure their first win of the season as they overcame a battling Coleraine Women’s team at the Hammer Complex. It seems that the 22nd always seem to keep their best performances for when our NIWFA cameras are present with some great goals in this game similar to when we covered one of their games last season. You can see the goals for yourself on our social media.

DIVISION THREE

A comfortable win for Ballynahinch Olympic over their nearest rivals Belfast Swifts in the top of the table clash means that the Olympic have now opened up a five point gap at the top of the Division Three table.

Mid Ulster Reserves defeated Antrim Town to leapfrog them into third place in the standings with the ladies of Portadown & Raceview also securing fine wins this week.

DIVISION FOUR

A thumping win for league leaders Valley Rangers at Comber Rec Reserves coupled with their two nearest rivals Ards Rangers and Oxford Sunnyside drawing 2-2 means that Valley now lead Division Four by five points. Valley’s Caitlin Rae scored six goals in their win taking her remarkable individual tally of league goals up to 29 for the season!

In the division’s final game this week Rathfriland’s testing season continued as they lost heavily at home to Ballymoney United Reserves.

DIVISION FIVE

Big home wins this week for Carrick Rgrs Falcons II and Greenisland Women II means that both teams remain neck and neck at the top of Division Five.

DIVISION SIX

League leaders Ballynagross dropped their first points of the season this week after being held 4-4 in a hard-fought game by Donegal Celtic Ladies. That result, coupled with victory for Bloomfield at Hanover means that the gap at the top of Division Six between leaders Ballynagross and Bloomfield is now down to four points.

In the division’s final game this week Civil Service bounced back from their disappointment of last week to defeat Shorts.

DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY LEAGUE

Just the one game in Division Six this week but what a game as Coleraine Women Reserves and Ards Rangers Women’s Seconds drew 3-3 at Coleraine University with that result bringing Ards 100% winning record this season to an end.

And finally, in our Pathway league, a combination of victory for Newhill over Carryduff and a 1-1 draw between Limavady and Coagh mean that Newhill now sit six points clear at the top of the standings.

Report by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 8 - 13 JUNE

CHAMPIONSHIP

Just the three games in the Championship this week but what an impact they may well have come the end of the season with wins for Sion Swifts, Bangor and Mid Ulster.

After the teams went in level at the break, Sion put the afterburners on in the second half of their game against St.James Swifts eventually winning 4-1 thanks to goals from Brooke Milligan, Hannah Gibson and a brace from Bronagh Gallagher with Roise Thompson scoring the Swifts goal. That result saw Sion overtake St James to move into second place in the table with leaders Ballymena United now well within their sights as only a two point gap exists between the teams.

Bangor’s recent return to form continued as they won an exciting match 7-3 away to Ballymoney United. Once again it was the second half which made the difference in this one as the sides went into the break locked at 3-3 thanks to goals from Ballymoney’s Aine McAallister (x2) and Cleo-Neece Taggart with Bangor replying in the first period through goals from Olivia Marshall (x2) and Janine Jess. Into the second half and cue Bangor’s leading goalscorer Amber Dempster getting her name on the scoresheet with no less than three goals. Add a final late strike from Tallon McMahon and the Seasiders eased home 7-3.

In what was a week of second half performances the Championships final game this week saw Mid Ulster Ladies bounce back from being behind to an Olivia Blain strike for Ballyclare Comrades at half time to turn the game around as goals from Rachel Rodgers and Eimear McGarrity saw them win 2-1

DIVISION ONE

Craigavon City remain top of the Division One table following a thumping win over Ballynahinch Ladies in a game played in absolutely atrocious weather conditions on Monday night. Highlights from this game can now be viewed on our social media.

Strabane Athletic remain right on the leaders’ heels after they also secured a win, this time over Ballyclare Comrades Reserves by 5-2, with the final game in Division One this week seeing Ambassadors and Rosario battling out a scoreless draw.

DIVISION TWO

A 4-0 win for Lisbellaw over Maiden City saw them draw level at the top of the Division Three standings with Carrick Rangers Falcons although the Falcons do have a game in hand after not having played this week.

Elsewhere Coleraine Women picked up their first win of the season with a victory over Belfast Ravens, with the division’s final game seeing the 22nd Ladies picking up their first point of the season after a 3-3 draw with Armagh City.

DIVISION THREE

Wins for Ballynahinch Olympic, Belfast Swifts & Antrim Town have seen those three teams moving into that exact order at the top of the Division Three table with Olympic two points clear of the Swifts and Antrim one further point behind. Highlights from the Antrim Town victory over Moneyslane are now available to view online on our social media.

DIVISION FOUR

The big game of the week in Division Four between the league’s top two sides saw Valley Rangers fight back from being 1-0 down at half time to win 4-1 at Oxford Sunnyside in a fiercely fought encounter. Highlights from this game will be available to view over the weekend.

Ards Rangers ensured that no matter what the result was in the game between the top two that they would benefit as they defeated Rathfriland 3-0 with that result moving them into second place in the table ahead of Oxford.

Comber Rec Reserves and Ballymoney United Reserves were the other winners in the division this week.

DIVISION FIVE

The top two sides going ito this week’s fixtures, Greenisland Seconds and Carrick Rangers Falcons, drew 2-2 in a highly entertaining game at Glenkeen with that result allowing Belfast Ravens II to close the gap at the top after they defeated 22nd Ladies II.

In the division’s other games First Bangor defeated Holywood 2-1 thanks to a late Chloe Davison winner, with Draperstown Diamonds drawing 2-2 with Wellington Rec.

DIVISION SIX

A fine 3-2 win for Ballynagoss Ladies over Bloomfield, thanks to a Jane McStravick hat-trick, saw them move six points clear at the top of Division Six, with Donegal Celtic also recording a fine win this time against Civil Service. In the division’s final game Raceview Athletic won a 10-goal thriller away to Shorts by six goals to four.

DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY LEAGUE

Coleraine Women Reserves and Ards Rangers Women Seconds were victorious in Division Seven this week with victories for Newhill, Carryduff Colts and Limavady United in the Pathway league.

Report by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 1- 6 JUNE

CHAMPIONSHIP

The twists and turns of the Championship continue to happen on a regular basis with this week being no different as a goal deep into added on time by Zara McGourty saw Sion Swifts pull back from two goals down to snatch a draw at league leaders Ballymena United. United had moved into a two-goal lead through strikes from Morgan Hanna and Megan Henry, with Brooke Milligan pulling one back for the visitors before McGourty’s late strike, which saw the points shared.

That draw will doubtless have been great news for St.James Swifts who, although they had no game this week, are now only two points behind United at the top of the table but with two games in hand.

And watch out for Greenisland Women who defeated Camlough Rovers 7-0 to move into third place and very much in the race for title honours as they now find themselves only three points off league leaders Ballymena with one game in hand. Three first-half goals (Rachel Patterson x 2, Rachel Kinner x 1) set the tone in this one with second-half goals from Lucy Redmond, Saskia Love and substitutes Nicole Wheeldon and Jessica Mulholland seeing them ease home.

Ballyclare Comrades also eased home 6-0 at Belfast Celtic thanks to braces from Rebecca Cousins and Isabel Campbell who were ably supported by single strikes from Deborah McCarthy and Molly Weir whilst in the final game of the day Ballymoney United’s recent fine run continued as they defeated basement side St.Oliver Punkett 9-1.

Goals in this one for Ballymoney came from Cleo-Neece Taggart (x3), Clodagh Moore (x2), Aine McCallister, Naomi McMullan, Abby Alexander and Chloe Campbell with SOP’s consolation strike coming from a fine solo effort for Lucy Loughen on 87 minutes. Despite the score line SOP deserve credit for battling right to the end with highlights from this game to follow on our social media shortly.

DIVISION ONE

Comfortable wins for Craigavon City (v Comber Rec) and Strabane Athletic (v Ballynahinch Ladies) mean that there is no change at the top of the Division One table with Craigavon continuing to lead the way by three points from Strabane in second place.

Ambassadors won at Institute to move into third place whilst a hat-trick from Amy Majury, including an injury time winner, saw Rosario edge home 3-2 against Ballyclare Comrades Reserves.

DIVISION TWO

Division Two league leaders Carrick Rangers Falcons were made to fight all the way before eventually overcoming Coleraine Women 1-0 thanks to a late winner from Rebecca Maxwell.

Lisbellaw United remained within 3 points of the leaders after a comfortable win at the 22nd Ladies with Belfast Ravens picking up three points on the road following an exciting 5-2 win at Armagh City highlights of which are now online on our Facebook and YouTube pages.

DIVISION THREE

Ballynahinch Olympic moved to the top of the Division Three table this week following a superb 3-0 victory at Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves saw them leapfrog not only their opposition but also Belfast Swifts who drew 0-0 at Moneyslane.

Elsewhere, Banbridge Town’s disappointing season continued as they lost heavily at home to Antrim Town, thanks mainly to five goals from Bethany Kerr whilst in the division’s final game this week four goals from Rebecca Archer saw Portadown ease home against Raceview. With only four points now separating the division’s top six sides Division Three looks set to be developing into a fascinating tussle.

DIVISION FOUR

Ards Rangers and Oxford Sunnyside both made the most of league leaders Valley Rangers game being postponed this week with both sides winning their respective games against Ballymoney Reserves and St.Marys respectively. These results mean that Oxford move to the top of the table by three points albeit with Valley having a game in hand. In the divisions final game this week Comber Rec beat Dromara Village.

DIVISION FIVE

There were no home comforts in Division Five this week with none of our home teams securing wins. The closest to recording victory were 22nd Ladies II who drew 0-0 at home to Carrick Falcons II however Draperstown Celtic Diamonds, Holywood Ladies and First Bangor ladies all slipped up at home to Belfast Ravens II, Greenisland Women II and Wellington Rec respectively.

DIVISION SIX

Bloomfield’s hopes of moving joint top of Division Six were shattered when they lost 0-3 to Civil Service meaning that Ballynagross, despite having no game this week, remain at the top of the standings. Elsewhere a late, late goal from Jess Orr saw Shorts edge home v Donegal Celtic with Hanover winning narrowly at Raceview Ladies Athletic.

DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY LEAGUE

The top two in Division Seven, Ards Rangers II and Coleraine Reserves both won their respective games this week whilst in the Pathway league there were wins for League leaders Newhill and Castle Ladies.

Report by Colin Hopkins

LEAGUE CUP WEEK REVIEW 25 - 30 MAY

It was a change in competition for our NIWFA sides this week as the various League cup campaigns across our leagues got underway. Here’s our review of all of the action.

CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE CUP

The highest scoring game in this week’s Championship quarter finals saw St.James Swifts eventually overcome Camlough Rovers 5-4 in a tight encounter at the Camlough Stadium. Camlough had raced into a two goal half time lead thanks to goals from Ellen McCartney and Olivia Connolly before three goals in three early second half minutes changed the game. The Swifts pulled one back on 49 minutes through Katie-Rose Rice, however Rovers then regained their two-goal lead a minute later through McCartney. One more minute of play and it was back to being only a goal in it as Rice added her second to make it 3-2. Chloe Tully then scored on 65 minutes to level the game, and then an own goal on 76 minutes saw the Swifts take the lead for the first time. Camlough pushed forward in a desperate bid to level the game and indeed they did so on 82 minutes through Chloe Friary and then just as penalties loomed a late, late strike from Tully ensured the visitors won a truly amazing game 5-4.

Things were a lot easier for Greenisland Women who eased through 5-0 against Ballyclare Comrades thanks to an early goal from Saskia Love followed by goals from Lucy Redmond (x2), Rachel Kinner (x2). The match highlights from this game will be online shortly.

League leaders Ballymena United were made to fight all the way by Mid Ulster Ladies before booking their place in the last four of the competition thanks to a solitary goal from Claire Shaw on 62 minutes that saw them home.

And finally, Sion Swifts were the last side into the semi-finals as they defeated Ballymoney United 3-0 thanks to goals from Brooke Milligan, Ava Crozier and Hannah Gibson.

SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Greenisland v Sion Swifts ; Ballymena Utd v St.James Swifts

DIVISION ONE LEAGUE CUP

It took penalty kicks to decide the winner of the Rosario v Ambassadors tie after the sides drew 1-1 with Ambassadors finally edging home 6-5 after the spot kicks. They will be joined in the last four by Strabane Athletic who beat Comber Rec 1-0, Craigavon City who won 3-1 at Ballynahinch Ladies and Ballyclare Comrades Reserves who got a walk over win.

SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Ballyclare Com Reserves v Craigavon City ; Ambassadors v Strabane Athletic

DIVISION TWO LEAGUE CUP

Despite having been issued with two red cards Carrick Rangers Falcons comfortably made the last four in Division Two after overcoming Armagh Cty 6-1. They will be joined in the last four by Belfast Ravens, Lisbellaw United and Maiden City or 22nd Ladies

SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Carrick Rgrs Falcons v Lisbellaw United ; Maiden City or 22nd Ladies v Belfast Ravens

DIVISION THREE LEAGUE CUP

A Katie McDowell brace saw Raceview on their way to a 5-1 win over Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves with Moneyslane beating Antrim Town, Ballynahinch Olympic winning at Banbridge Town and victory for Belfast Swifts meaning these four sides will contest the semi-finals

SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Ballynahinch Olympic v Raceview, Moneyslane v Belfast Swifts

DIVISION FOUR LEAGUE CUP

Comfortable passages into the semi-finals ensued this week for Ards Rangers who beat Oxford Sunnyside as well as Ballymoney Utd Reserves disposing of Dromara Village. Valley Rangers’ fine form of late continued with a thumping win over Rathfriland whilst two late goals saw Comber Rec Reserves edge home at St.Marys.

SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Ards Rangers v Ballymoney Utd Reserves ; Comber Rec Reserves v Valley Rangers

DIVISION FIVE LEAGUE CUP

Draperstown Diamonds were the only winning side to concede a goal this week but they still eased home 6-1 against First Bangor. Elsewhere, there were victories without goals conceded for Belfast Ravens II, Greenisland Women II and Carrick Rangers Falcons II.

SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Greenisland Women II v Carrick Rangers Falcons II ; Draperstown Diamonds v Belfast Ravens II

DIVISION SIX LEAGUE CUP

Following a couple of withdrawals there was only one quarter final played in Division Six with Shorts Women winning to make the last four.

SEMI-FINAL DRAW: Hanover or Donegal Celtic v Bloomfield ; Ballynagross v Shorts Women

Report by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 18 - 23 MAY

NIWFA BARCLAY’S CHAMPIONSHIP

The top two teams in the Championship went head to head this week as St.James Swifts hosted Ballymena United – both sides unbeaten records went on the line at Whiterock. After what can best be described as a tough hard fought encounter with neither side wanting to lose, it was little surprise that the game was to finish goalless with the sides locked at 0-0. Despite the lack of goals this game showed the high standards that both teams are capable of with the result leaving Ballymena top by one point but with St.James still having a game in hand. Highlights from the game are now online elsewhere on our social media.

With the league’s top two sides drawing it opened the door for the chasing pack to close the gap at the top and this is exactly what Greenisland did by defeating Ballyclare Comrades 5-3. The Comrades had bounced back twice following goals from Erin McCauley and Lucy Redmond thanks to goals from Beth Galbraith and Deborah McCarthy but when Redmond and Aoife Burgess opened a two goal cushion for Greenisland in the second half there was to be no way back although the Comrades did reduce the gap to 4-3 thanks to a strike from Cerys Madden. Redmond completed her hat-trick as the game entered injury time with Greenisland’s 5-3 win moving them within 5 points of the top of the standings.

Defending champions Sion Swifts are also now moving into top gear with a comfortable 8-0 win over Bangor Ladies this week. Goals in this one were spread throughout the team with Hannah Gibson, Sienna Leckey, Brooke Milligan (x2), Zahara Leckey, Grace Dickson, Aislinn Coll & Rosie Harper all getting their names on the score sheet. Sion are currently in fourth place in the table also on 18 points.

Ballymoney United Ladies continued their fine resurgence of late once again this week easing past Camlough Rovers 5-0 thanks to goals from Aine McCallister (x2), Cleo-Neece Taggart and Naomi McMullan. This result saw the County Antrim side move up to 7th place in the table.

And finally this week Belfast Celtic forfeited their game against Mid Ulster Ladies with the three points gained seeing Mid Ulster move into fifth place in the table.

DIVISION ONE

The big game between the top two in Division One this week went the way of Craigavon City who defeated Strabane Athletic 2-1 on Friday night thanks to goals from Niamh Graham and Sophie Murray with Rachel McSparron replying. The result sees Craigavon move three points clear at the top of the Division One table.

Elsewhere in Division One Comber Rec picked up their first win in the league after defeating Ambassadors 3-2, Ballynahinch Ladies defeated Rosario and Ballyclare Comrades Reserves made the long journey worthwhile defeating Institute comfortably at Prehen.

DIVISION TWO

Carrick Rangers Falcons continue to fly high at the top of Division Two after a big win over Armagh City however the Belfast Ravens had their wings clipped following a 5-2 defeat at Lisbellaw. The division’s final game saw Maiden City defeat the 22nd Ladies whose tough start to the season continued as they continue to seek their first point of the 2025 campaign.

DIVISION THREE

League leaders Ballynahinch Olympic were held to a goalless draw at Raceview on Friday night and this result coupled with a win for Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves over Moneyslane saw the Mid Ulster team move to the top of the table. Portadown secured their first win of the season with a 4-3 win at Antrim Town whilst Belfast Swifts moved into second place in the table after a comfortable win over Banbridge Town.

DIVISION FOUR

A 2-1 Victory for Valley Rangers over rivals Ards Rangers in a game played on Friday night in truly horrible weather conditions saw what was a three horse race in Division Four moving down, at least temporarily, to a two horse race as fellow pacesetters Oxford Sunnyside also secured a comfortable win at Dromara Village. St.Marys picked up their first win of the season at Rathfriland with Ballymoney Ladies Reserves brushing aside Comber Rec Reserves in the division’s final game this week. Highlights from the Valley Rangers v Ards Rangers game will be online.

DIVISION FIVE

It’s still neck and neck between Carrick Rgrs Falcons Seconds and Greenisland Seconds in Division Five with both sides still on 100% winning records after this week’s fixtures.

DIVISION SIX

Bloomfield defeated Shorts 5-1 and Ballynagross defeated Hanover 6-2 to ensure both sides retained their 100% winning records in Division Six. The division’s final game saw Donegal Celtic and Raceview Athletic draw 1-1

DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY

Antrim Town Swifts won with ease over Belfast Ravens III this week in Division Seven with the only other game in this section seeing Wellington Rec Athletic win an exciting game against Coleraine Reserves 4-3.

Finally in the Pathway league victory for Newhill over Coagh United and a forfeit win for Carryduff Ladies means that those two teams continue to lead the way in this section. Limavady United defeated Castle Ladies 5-3 in the final Pathway game this week with special mention to Jess Glackin who scored all five goals.

Review by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 11 - 16 MAY

CHAMPIONSHIP

The big story in the Championship this week was league leaders Ballymena United dropping their first points of the season when they were held 2-2 by Mid Ulster Ladies on Friday night. Indeed it could have been their first loss of the season as they were facing down the barrel of the gun of defeat as they found themselves trailing 0-2 thanks to goals from Mid Ulster’s Rachel Rodgers and Jess Magee at half time. Whatever was said at half time however seemed to work and they levelled the game with strikes from Tash Bamford and Claire Shaw. However despite a frenetic end to the game neither side could find a winner.

Earlier in the week St.James Swifts had kept up the pressure on the leaders after they won away at Bangor, although they were pushed all the way in this one. Indeed it took a real captain’s performance from skipper Siobhan Bell who scored twice to secure the points in a 3-2 win. Amber Dempster had shot the “Seasiders” into an early lead only for Chloe Doak to level the game with Bell then giving the Swifts the lead. Dempster then made it 2-2 before skipper Bell ensured the points were going home with St.James with her second on 59 minutes.

What a season this is turning out to be for promoted Greenisland Women who this week secured their biggest win of the season as they routed Belfast Celtic 10-1. Summer signing Lucy Redmond was the star of this show netting five of the goals with a Jessica Mulholland hat-trick and a double from Rachel Kinner adding to the Celts’ woes. Sara-Lou McLaughlin scored Celtics’ only goal on the night with this result seeing Greenisland move into the top three in the standings.

There might not have been as many goals at Dixon Park but this game between Ballyclare Comrades and Ballymoney United produced a really superb game of end-to-end football with both sides playing their part in a real thriller. United had taken the lead through the highly impressive Aine McAllister with the equally impressive Deborah McCarthy levelling less than a minute later for the Comrades. A missed penalty for United followed and after that both goalkeepers deserve special mention for the amount of fantastic saves they pulled off to ensure the game ended 1-1. Highlights from this game can be found elsewhere on our social media.

And finally a five goal haul from Sienna Leckey coupled with goals from Niamh Coyle and Zahara Leckey saw Sion Swifts win comfortably at St Oliver Plunkett who are still looking for that elusive first point of the season.

The top two in the Division Ballymena United and St.James Swifts go head to head at Whiterock on Wednesday this week with ko at 7:30 Pm.

DIVISION ONE

There were wins for Division One pacesetters Strabane Athletic and Craigavon City, however Athletic were made to fight all the way before eventually overcoming Comber Rec 3-2. The two early pacesetters meet one another next week.

Victory for Ballynahinch Women at Institute saw them move into third place in the table with Ambassadors winning their second game in a row after they defeated Ballyclare Comrades Reserves 3-1.

DIVISION TWO

The Falcons of Carrick Rangers are flying high this week after a superb 4-1 victory at the home of their rivals Lisbellaw United thanks mainly to a Shelly Stothers hat-trick. This result, coupled with an amazing score line which saw Belfast Ravens defeat Maiden City 7-6, means we have a “gathering of the birds” at the top of the table with the Falcons leading the way and the Ravens now in second place. Elsewhere Armagh City won for the first time this season defeating Coleraine 2-1.

DIVISION THREE

A 2-1 victory for Ballynahinch Olympic over Moneyslane saw the Olympic move to the top of the Division Three table with highlights from this game available to view elsewhere on our social media.

Elsewhere Antrim Town had a convincing win over Raceview as did Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves over Banbridge Town and in the division’s final game Belfast Swifts and Portadown drew 1-1.

DIVISION FOUR

It was a “disappointing” week this week for Valley Rangers striker Caitlyn Rae who, after scoring seven goals in each of her two previous games, only managed six this week!. This time around it was Ballymoney United Reserves who succumbed to the Rangers.

That said despite all of their power scoring Ards Rangers and Oxford Sunnyside both kept pace with Valley at the top of the table after wins against St. Mary’s and Comber Rec Reserves respectively.

All three sides are currently locked on nine points with the two “Rangers” sides going head to head next week.

DIVISION FIVE

What’s the time in Division Five? Well this week it must be five to two as this was how all the divisions games ended this week with Holywood Ladies, Draperstown Diamonds and Carrick Falcons seconds all winning by this score line with the Falcons result seeing them moving into top spot in the table.

DIVISION SIX

Home victories for Bloomfield and Ballynagross saw these two sides move to the top of Division Six standings with Hanover’s away victory over Civil Service seeing them move into third place in the standings.

DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY

There was just the one game in Division Seven this week which saw Wellington Rec and Belfast Ravens III draw 1-1 whilst in the Pathway league Limavady United scored a convincing win over Coagh United with Newhill and Carryduff drawing 1-1.

LOCAL WOMEN SUPER CUP

The 2025 Local Women Sport Supercup competition got underway this week with the Preliminary round which saw Carrick Rangers Falcons, Antrim Town and Oxford Sunnyside all progressing into the first round proper of the competition following wins over Comber Rec, Portadown and Ambassadors respectively. They will be joined by Strabane Athletic who received a walk over win.

Following these results the first round LWS Super cup draw was also made this week with the games pairing Newhill v Oxford Sunnyside, Lisbellaw United v Civil Service, Carryduff Ladies v Maiden City, Antrim Town v Carrick Rangers Falcons, Valley Rangers v Ballynahinch Ladies, Coleraine v Castle Ladies and Strabane Athletic v Craigavon

Report by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 4 - 9 MAY

CHAMPIONSHIP

Even at this early stage the Championship is looking like it might be developing into a two team race to the finish line with both Ballymena United and St James Swifts now moving well clear of the remaining pack. United kept their 100% winning record intact this week after casting aside an in-form Bangor team 4-0 thanks mainly to a hat-trick from Megan Henry. The other goal on the night came from skipper Tash Bamford with the result bringing to an end Bangor’s recent four game winning run. Highlights from this game can be found elsewhere on our social media.

St.James meanwhile also kept their 100% record intact after they comfortably defeated the leagues basement side St.Oliver Plunkett 7-0 at Whiterock. Katie-rose Rice led the way in this one as she also netted a hat-trick with her strikes being supported by other goals from Chloe Doak, Leah McAvoy, Roise Thompson and Debbie Boyd.

Elsewhere Ballymoney United Ladies will doubtless be ecstatic to get their first win in the Championship after they cruised past Belfast Celtic 5-1 at Paddy’s Park. Doubles from Cleo-Neece Taggart and Aine McAllister accompanied by a single goal from Layla O’Hara saw them home with the Celts consolation goal coming from Claire Rooney.

Ballymoney’s win lifted them out of the bottom two where they were replaced by Camlough Rovers whose early season woes continued as they lost 0-8 to Sion Swifts. It was Leckey’s at the double in this one with Zahara scoring a hat-trick and Sienna netting twice with further goals coming from Brooke Milligan, Aislinn Coll and Rosie Harper.

Finally in the Championship this week a real nail biter as Greenisland Women defeated Mid Ulster 4-3 with goals from Rachel Patterson, Erin McCauley. Lucy Redmond and Aoife Burgess. Mid Ulster had fought back from 4-1 down (goals from Eimear McGarrity and Sharagh Murphy (x2) to give the hosts a nervy finish but ultimately they held on to get over the line.

DIVISION ONE

Strabane Athletic made it two from two after defeating Rosario 4-2 this week with Ambassadors also picking up a win after winning 1-0 at Ballynahinch Ladies. In the divisions final game this week Comber Rec and Ballyclare Com Reserves battled out an entertaining 3-3 draw.

DIVISION TWO

Wins for Lisbellaw United and Carrick Rangers Falcons means both side have 100% records after two games played in Division Two although that stat will change this week when the sides meet one another in round three of the fixtures. Elsewhere Belfast Ravens started their season by winning their first game 6-1 v the 22nd Ladies.

DIVISION THREE

A second consecutive victory for Moneyslane ladies sees them the early leaders in Division 3 however not far behind are Belfast Swifts who this week defeated Raceview and Ballynahinch Olympic who drew with Antrim Town 1-1. The divisions final game saw Mid Ulster Ladies Reserves defeat Portadown 2-1 Highlights from the game between Belfast Swifts and Raceview will be online.

DIVISION FOUR

A truly remarkable feat in Division Four this week as Valley Rangers Caitlin Rae netted seven goals for the second consecutive week as her team routed St.Marys’. Not surprisingly Rangers are leading the way in Division Four however Ards Rangers and Oxford Sunnyside are level on points with the early pacesetters after both also secured wins this week over Dromara Village and Ballymoney Utd Reserves respectively. In the divisions final game Comber Rec Reserves defeated Rathfriland 3-1.

DIVISION FIVE

Greenisland Women’s Seconds and Carrick Rgrs Falcons Seconds are the early pacesetters in Division Five after both secured their second consecutive victories this week. First Bangor Ladies held on to defeat the 22nd Ladies Reserves 5-4 with Holywood and Wellington Rec battling out a 2-2 draw.

DIVISION SIX

In Division Six this week Bloomfield Ladies got their season off to a wining start v Raceview Ladies Athletic and Hanover bounced back from their opening day defeat to overcome Shorts Women.

DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY

Finally in Division Seven Coleraine Ladies Reserves and Ards Rangers Seconds both made it two wins from two games played whilst our pathway league is led by Newhill and Carryduff Ladies both of whom won their second consecutive games.

Review by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 27 APR - 3 MAY

So after five weeks of Championship action the remainder of the NIWFA league burst into life this week with all of our divisions getting underway, here’s our weekly review of all the action.

CHAMPIONSHIP

Ballymena United Women continue to lead the Championship after this week putting basement side St.Oliver Plunkett to the sword winning 9-0 at Whiterock. Claire Shaw continued her recent fine form in this one netting on four occasions and she was more than ably assisted by Megan Henry, Katie Wallace, Hannah Firth and Nikki McKendry who all scored a goal apiece.

St.James Swifts remain United’s closest rivals (three points behind with a game in hand) although they were made to fight all the way by a battling Camlough Rovers before eventually winning 5-2. The Saints Skipper Siobhan Bell led by example in this one netting twice with their other goals coming from Chloe Doak (x2) and a late Rachel Dennison strike. Rovers response came from goals by Olivia Connolly and Ellen McCartney.

Following a fourth consecutive victory, Bangor have now moved into third place in the standings after winning 2-0 at Mid Ulster Ladies. Goals in this one came from Toni Stewart and a retaken Amber Dempster penalty with highlights from this game appearing online on our social media shortly.

It’s been a superb season so far for promoted Greenisland Women who this week defeated fellow promoted side Ballymoney United 2-0 at Glenkeen Avenue. Saskia Love had give the hosts a perfect start scoring after only 3 minutes and Lucy Redmond secured the points with the second on 55 minutes. Greenisland are now up to fourth place in the table.

In the final Championship game this week Sion Swifts romped home 9-2 at Ballyclare Comrades with Hannah Gibson being the star of the show with a well taken hat-trick. Their other goals came from Brooke Milligan (x2), Mia Doherty (x2), Zoe Green and a debut goal from their recent signing from Linfield Zahara Leckey. The Comrades consolations came from Isabel Campbell and Olivia Blain.

DIVISION ONE

After securing promotion from Division Two last season it looks like Strabane Athletic and Craigavon City will once again be the teams to look out for as both started their respective season with comfortable wins over Institute and Ambassadors respectively. The Roses of Rosario also got their season off to a flyer defeating recently relegated Comber Rec 6-1 with highlights from this currently available to view on our social media. In the divisions final game Ballynahinch also got off to a winning start defeating Ballyclare Comrades Reserves 2-1 at Dixon Park.

DIVISION TWO

The opening week of fixtures in DivisionTwo saw big wins for Belfast Ravens (v Kilmore Rec) and Carrick Rangers Falcons (v 22nd Ladies) whilst recently promoted Lisbellaw also got their season off to a winning start by defeating Armagh City 3-1. The final game in this division this week saw the North West derby between Maiden City and Coleraine end 1-1

DIVISION THREE

Just the one solitary home win this week as Division Three got underway with Raceview being the only side to win on their home pitch with Moneyslane and Ballynahinch Olympic both securing away wins. The division’s final game saw Belfast Swifts and Antrim Town battle it out in an entertaining 3-3 draw with the Swifts’ Brooke Boyd scoring in injury time to ensure the points were shared.

DIVISION FOUR

Ards Rangers got Division Four off and running with a 4-1 victory in the north down derby at home to Comber Rec Reserves last Sunday afternoon and this was followed by three point successes for Valley Rangers, Oxford Sunnyside and Ballymoney Utd Reserves. Star of the show this week in the division was Valley’s Caitlyn Rae who netted on no less than seven occasions in their win over Dromara Village Ladies.

DIVISION FIVE

It was a successful week for most of the “Seconds” team’s as Division Five got underway with victories for the reserve sides of Greenisland, Carrick Rangers and Belfast Ravens. The only exception to the rule were the 22nd Ladies whose seconds team were easily overcome by Wellington Rec.

DIVISION SIX

There were winning starts in Division Six for Civil Service, Ballynagross and Donegal Celtic with the Celts hero being Nicole Johnston who bagged all five goals in their 5-1 defeat of Hanover.

DIVISION SEVEN / PATHWAY

There were opening day victories for Coleraine Women Reserves and Antrim Town Swifts to get Division seven underway with Newhill, Coagh United and Carryduff all winning on their debuts in the NIWFA Pathway league.

Review by Colin Hopkins

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 15 - 20 JUNE

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LEAGUE CUP WEEK REVIEW 25 - 30 MAY

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 18 - 23 MAY

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 11 - 16 MAY

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 4 - 9 MAY

WEEKLY LEAGUE REVIEW 27 APR - 3 MAY

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