Glentoran Women closed the gap at the top of the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership to league leaders Cliftonville Ladies to just four points as they hit double figures against Mid Ulster Ladies.

Kerry Beattie and Caragh Hamilton both netted first-half braces for the Glens as they raced into an eight-goal half-time lead, with Imogen Lancaster, Joely Andrews and Casey Howe also bagging goals with an own goal from Mid Ulster’s Amy McGarrity.

The visitors regrouped in the second half and, remarkably, goalkeeper Lilie Crooks pulled a goal back with a long-range free-kick in the 76th minute.

However, late goals from substitutes Jenna McKearney and Shannon Dunne ensured the champions hit double figures – with the Glens back in action next Wednesday as they travel to Derry City Women.

The Candystripes suffered a seven-goal defeat in Wednesday night’s other clash as Crusaders Strikers secured a big win with five goals coming in the last 15 minutes.

Morganne Beggs and Leah McEvoy hit quickfire first-half goals for the Crues, before Emily Wilson’s late hat-trick with Leontia McVarnock and Beth Chalmers also getting in on the act late on.