Caitlin McGuinness netted twice as Cliftonville Ladies defeated Linfield Ladies 3-0 to retain their position at the top of the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership.

The Reds maintain their one-point advantage over champions Glentoran Women, who edged out Crusaders Strikers 1-0 at Ashfield Boys HS, while the North Belfast side also have a game in hand.

McGuinness netted in either half against her former club with Marissa Callaghan also on the scoresheet to secure a potentially priceless victory for John McGrady’s side.

Glentoran Women – who still have to play the Reds – kept their title hopes alive as Chloe McCarron’s first half goal was enough to defeat a resilient Crusaders Strikers.

Cliftonville play their game in hand this weekend as they host Sion Swifts Ladies before the Reds face a huge North Belfast derby test at Crusaders next week, as Glentoran host Linfield.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, first half goals from Claragh Quigg and Tara O’Connor saw Sion defeat Derry City Women by two goals at Melvin Sports Complex.

Lisburn Ladies also recorded a two-goal victory as they beat Mid Ulster Ladies at the Bluebell Stadium; Stacey Murdough’s first half strike and a late own goal from Eimear McGarrity settling the game.