Final countdown

The Women’s Premiership League Cup Final is just three days away – and Cliftonville Ladies want YOUR support!

Seaview is the setting for Friday night’s showdown with Linfield Ladies, with the game enjoying the notable distinction of becoming the first domestic women’s Club fixture to be broadcast live by BBC NI, meaning fans across the globe can tune in via the BBC Red Button, BBC Sport NI website and BBC Sport app.

Martin Douglas’ side – who currently sit third in the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership table, three points behind the Blues at the top – booked their place in this week’s decider when they overcame Derry City Ladies in last month’s Semi Final at Solitude.

Trailing at the interval courtesy of Rachel Barnaby’s strike, the Reds levelled through Chloe Orr’s cool lobbed finish but, try as they might, were unable to get the better of the Candystripes’ inspired goalkeeper Molly McBride again before the end of the regulation 90 minutes.

A nerve-jangling contest swung the hosts’ way early in extra-time, however, when Billie Simpson scored from inside the centre-circle with a free-kick that crept over the line after crashing against the underside of the bar – a refereeing call that led to Derry’s Aine McKeever being sent off for going too far with her protest.

With the visitors down to 10 players, Orr’s second of the night provided additional breathing space to ensure Cliftonville were able to comfortably hold on to book their place in this week’s Final against the Cup holders, Linfield Ladies.