BLUES HIT FOUR BUT TITLE HOPES OVER
Linfield’s hopes of a fifth successive title are officially over despite running out 4-0 winners at home to Derry City, who finish the campaign at the foot of the table.
Abbie Magee, Casey Howe, Alison Smyth and Rebecca Bassett were all on the scoresheet for the Blues, who finish their campaign in second spot having won 13 points from their final five games.
The visitors competed well in the game but the Blues were in control from early on - Magee heading home midway through the first half after a scramble in the box before Howe doubled the lead on the half hour after an assist from Smyth.
Two penalties completed the scoring in the second half - Smyth converting after a handball before substitute Bassett added another from the spot with a few minutes remaining after she had been felled in the box.
Linfield Ladies: McFrederick, Fitzsimmons, Carleton, Howe, Smyth, Burrows, McKenna, Magee, Power, Dickson, Donnan subs Bassett (replaced Dickson 59), S. Leckey (not used), E. Leckey (replaced Fitzsimmons 71), McConnell (replaced Power 68), McMaster (not used)
Derry City Ladies: Friel, E. Callaghan, Canavan, Lapsley, L. McGonagle, A. McGonagle, O'Connor, N. Callaghan, McFadden, Connolly, A. Doherty subs O'Neill (replaced O'Connor 88), McBride (replaced McFadden 68), McCauley (replaced Connolly 63)