Crusaders Strikers got their Avenir Sports All-Island Cup campaign off to a winning start this weekend, while Linfield Women and Cliftonville Ladies both earned credible draws in their respective group games.

There were defeats, however, for Glentoran Women and Lisburn Ladies against strong opposition already in the midst of their domestic season.

The Crues defeated DLR Waves on Saturday in Group C, with Amy McGivern bagging the only goal of the game midway through the second half with a header from the edge of the six yard box after a corner had been floated over from the right.

That puts the Strikers on top of the group at this early stage after the other game between Treaty United and Shamrock Rovers ended all square.

Linfield Women also kicked their campaign off on Saturday, drawing 2-2 away to League of Ireland champions Peamount United on the outskirts of Dublin.

Ellen Dolan edged Peamount in front midway through the first half, a lead they held until Keri Halliday levelled for the Blues just after the hour. Halliday struck again with just over a quarter-of-an-hour remaining from the spot but the home side hit back through Louise Masterson with five minutes remaining to earn a share of the spoils.

Linfield have been paired with Lisburn Ladies in Group A, but they fell to a four-goal defeat away to Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

The Bohs seized the early advantage through Katie Lovely before further goals from Savannah Kane and Aoibhe Brennan handed them a commanding lead at the break. Alannah McEvoy then completed the scoring after the break.

Cliftonville Ladies, runners-up in last season's inaugural competition, battled to a 1-1 draw with Shelbourne at Solitude on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors gained the upper hand just short of the half-hour mark courtesy of a Jemma Quinn finish but Reds skipper Marissa Callaghan levelled just eight minutes later with a finish into the roof of the net.

Elsewhere in Group B Cork City and Wexford battled to an equal share of four goals on Saturday.

In Group D Glentoran Women led Athlone Town at the break at the Blanchflower Stadium, but were hit by a superb second half comeback to eventually fall to a 5-2 defeat.

Casey Howe blasted the visitors in front after just six minutes with a stunning strike from the edge of the area but the Glens rallied through Kerry Beattie and Nadene Caldwell to gain the upper hand at the turnaround.

Kerryanne Brown equalised for Athlone early in the second half before a quick fire double from Howe and Ciara O'Hara saw the visitors claim the points.

The competition continues on the weekend of April 20th/21st. Linfield host Bohemians, while Lisburn Ladies entertain Peamount United and Crusaders welcome Treaty United to Seaview.

Cliftonville and Glentoran are on the road, however, to take on Wexford and Galway United respectively.