Linfield and Cliftonville set up cup decider

Linfield and Cliftonville booked their place in the Women's Challenge Cup final with victories in their last-four games on Friday night.

The Blues thrashed first-time semi-finalists Larne 10-0 at Dixon Park while Cliftonville saw off Derry City 3-1 at Mill Meadow.

Women's Premiership top scorer Eve Reilly scored a hat-trick inside the first 12 minutes to help Linfield lead 8-0 at the break, with Eva Myles, Cora Chambers and Rhianna Breen also on target.

Mia Fitzsimmons and Abi Sweetlove completed Linfield's rout in the second half as the Blues sealed their return to the final for the first time since 2019.

They will face holders Cliftonville in the showpiece game after the north Belfast side saw off Derry in Castledawson.

Vicky Carleton opened the scoring after five minutes, and while they had a second ruled out, Marissa Callaghan doubled the advantage from the spot after Naomi McLaughlin was fouled.

Caitlin McGuinness added Cliftonville's third before Caoirse Doherty struck a consolation effort for Derry.

Linfield and Cliftonville last met in the final in 2016 when the Blues ran out 2-1 winners.

This year's final will be played on 18 October at Windsor Park.