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Sim and substance

Billie Simpson believes it would be a signal of Cliftonville Ladies’ intent if they could lift the Women’s Premiership League Cup tomorrow night.

The Reds take on holders Linfield Ladies at Seaview (8pm) in the first ever domestic women’s Club fixture to be broadcast live by BBC NI – and midfielder Simpson hopes she and her team mates can set the tone for the rest of the season.

“It’s a big game that we’re all really looking forward to,” says the 25-year-old.

“You always want to play in big matches and Cup Finals but we’ll go into it the same way we could any other game. I never do things differently leading up to a game, I just want to get out there and play and that’s the way we’ll go into this one.

“We’ve been having a good season so far but lifting a trophy at this stage would be brilliant for us and it could give us the belief to go on and do even better.”

Tomorrow’s clash will be the first of two forthcoming Cup Finals with the Blues and, while naturally hoping Cliftonville can also claim County Antrim Cup success next month, Simpson has her sights set on an even higher goal.

“We want to win the League,” adds the Northern Ireland international.

“We’ve had success in a few Cups over the last few years and obviously we want to win both of the Finals we’re in, but playing in the Champions League is where we want to be. Linfield are top at the minute, so they’re the team to beat in every competition for us. We’re expecting a really, really tough game at Seaview and we know Linfield are the favourites, but we believe we can go there and win it – which could be a really big boost for us for the rest of the season.”

Admission to the Women’s Premiership League Cup Final is absolutely free, while supporters across the globe can follow the action live via the BBC Red Button, BBC Sport NI website and BBC Sport app.