Glentoran Women took advantage of Cliftonville Ladies not playing on Monday night to close the gap at the top of the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership to two points. 

A double from striker Kerry Beattie – who has returned to the Glens following a stint at Glasgow City – helped Billy Clarke’s side to a four-goal victory at Lisburn Ladies. 

The Northern Ireland international grabbed a goal in either half while captain Jess Foy was on target after the break before Casey Howe added a late fourth at the Bluebell Stadium as the defending champions moved to within two points of Cliftonville, who now have a game in hand. 

There was also a four-goal victory on the night for Linfield Ladies, who leapfrogged Crusaders Strikers into third spot thanks to a comfortable win at Mid Ulster Ladies. 

Rebecca Bassett gave the Blues a fifth-minute lead before Rachel McConnell doubled the advantage ten minutes before the break. 

The visitors added a third before the hour mark after Abi Sweetlove’s initial effort was blocked before Emily Reid added a fourth with three minutes remaining to complete the Linfield win.