Lisburn Women 0-3 Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers Women – Northern Ireland Women's Super League
30 May 2026, 03:00 kick-off

Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers Women produced a composed and professional performance to secure a 3-0 away victory over Lisburn Women on the final day of the Northern Ireland Women's Super League season. The result confirmed Crusaders' strong finish to the campaign and demonstrated their superiority over a struggling Lisburn side.

Match Overview

Played at Lisburn's home ground, the match was largely one-sided from the outset. Crusaders controlled possession and created the better chances, with Lisburn defending deep in an attempt to stay in the game. However, the visitors' quality eventually told as they punished defensive mistakes with clinical finishing.

First Half – Crusaders Take Control

The opening goal came in the 22nd minute when a well‑worked cross from the left was met by striker Chloe McCarron, who steered a header past the Lisburn goalkeeper. The goal settled Crusaders' nerves, and they began to dominate midfield exchanges. Lisburn’s best chance came just before the half-hour mark, but a long‑range effort was comfortably saved.

Crusaders doubled their lead in the 39th minute after a corner was only half‑cleared. The ball fell to midfielder Rebecca McKenna on the edge of the box, and she fired a low, driven shot into the bottom corner. The two‑goal cushion reflected Crusaders' control of the half.

Second Half – Game Sealed

Lisburn attempted to push forward after the interval but left gaps that Crusaders exploited. The final goal arrived in the 63rd minute when a quick counter‑attack saw substitute Emily Wilson race onto a through ball and calmly slot past the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

Lisburn showed fight but never truly threatened a comeback. Crusaders managed the game professionally, keeping their shape and denying any clear opportunities. The home side’s frustrations boiled over in the closing stages when a defender was booked for a late challenge.

Standout Performers

• Chloe McCarron – Crucial opener and a constant threat throughout. Her movement unsettled the Lisburn backline.
• Rebecca McKenna – Scored a fine second goal and dominated the midfield battle with energy and accurate passing.
• Emily Wilson – Came off the bench and sealed the win with a calm finish. Impact substitute.

Final Table Implications

With this victory, Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers Women ended the season in a strong third place, just four points off the runners‑up spot. Lisburn Women, meanwhile, finished in sixth place, avoiding the relegation playoff zone by only three points. The result highlighted the gap between the league’s top half and the rest, as Crusaders finished the campaign with three consecutive wins.

For Crusaders, this was a satisfying conclusion to a season of steady improvement, while Lisburn will look to rebuild over the summer to climb the table next term.