Cliftonville Ladies have been crowned Danske Bank Women’s Premiership champions for the 2022 season after defeating North Belfast rivals Crusaders Strikers at Seaview.

A penalty from Marissa Callaghan with twenty minutes remaining was cancelled out by Megan Ingram’s equaliser for the Crues 12 minutes later, but there was still time for more late drama.

Vicky Carleton – a mid-season signing from Linfield Ladies – scored what proved to be the winner with five minutes remaining, to seal the title for the Reds with a full round of matches remaining.

John McGrady’s side have won an incredible 15 of their 16 matches in the league – and have now sealed the crown ahead of taking on Glentoran Women next week.

The Glens fought back from being two goals down to rescue a draw against Linfield Ladies, but it was not enough to keep their hopes of retaining their title alive.

Goals in either half from Keri Halliday and Emily Reid had given the Blues a two-goal lead but a Louise McFrederick own goal and Caragh Hamilton equaliser ensured the points were shared.

Elsewhere, a Cora Chambers hat-trick fired Sion Swifts Ladies to a 5-1 victory at Mid Ulster Ladies.

Tara O’Connor-Farren and Caoirse Doherty also found the net for the visitors, after Eimear McGarrity’s strike had initially given Mid Ulster hope.

Lisburn Ladies secured beat Derry City Women at the Bluebell Stadium in a two-goal victory as Vivienne McCormack opening the scoring with 15 minutes remaining before an Orlaith Cooper own goal doubled the advantage.