Callaghan makes her point

Cliftonville Ladies 1-1 Linfield Women

A glorious finish from Marissa Callaghan ensured an opening night point for Cliftonville Ladies as the new Sports Direct Women’s Premiership season got under way at Solitude.

Trailing to a Cora Chambers strike, the Reds – who won every League game on their way to an invincible title triumph past term – fought back to level 13 minutes from time but were unable to find a late winner.

Former Reds defender Hannah Doherty came close to breaking the deadlock on 12 minutes before Callaghan fired just wide at the other end.

After threatening through another Doherty attempt, Linfield finally edged in front early in the second-half when Zoe McGlynn crossed for Chambers to convert.

Cliftonville almost levelled when Carla Devine hooked over from Caitlin McGuinness’ delivery but the hosts didn’t have long to wait before getting back on terms when Abbie Magee slipped possession in Callaghan’s direction and the midfielder found the far corner with a perfectly executed shot beyond the despairing dive of goalkeeper Caoimhe Magee.