Split decision

Yasmin White has hailed the addition of a two-way split in a new-look Danske Bank Women’s Premiership.

As well as the division’s expansion from six teams to eight, the League will conclude with a series of vital showdowns in each half of the standings and Cliftonville Ladies defender White is keen to see how that set-up plays out.

“I’m really looking forward to the introduction of more teams to the League, it shows the growth within the Women’s game and I welcome the challenge of different teams, players and styles of play.

“The League format is great as it replicates the Men’s League which always throws up entertaining and interesting scenarios and keeps the League really interesting.”

The Reds begin their Premiership programme when they tackle Sion Swifts Ladies at Melvin Sports Complex this evening and, having finished runners-up in a hugely rewarding campaign last time out, White is determined to help the Club scale new heights.

“I don’t see it as pressure but more as expectations from ourselves as a team to want to do better than last season,” she adds.

“Last season was the beginning for us as a new team coming together and trying to work out how to play together to get the best out of each other.

“The season, with some new signings giving us more strength and depth and competition for places, I feel we will now have a better understanding of how to play together and with a strong team, our aim is to win trophies and to push for the top of the table.”