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Kirsty McGuinness says Cliftonville Ladies have no margin for error when they resume their Danske Bank Women’s Premiership campaign this evening.

Two points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, the Reds travel to Seaview for a crucial North Belfast Derby dust-up with Crusaders Strikers but, rather than be daunted by returning to action in such a high-profile fixture, McGuinness insists it’s one to relish.

“I don’t see it as being thrown in at the deep end,” she explains.

“The whole team can’t wait to get back to League action and what better way to start up again than a derby?

“We can’t afford to lose momentum because of how tight the League is so we have all been working really hard in training together and hopefully that carries onto the pitch.”

While tonight’s encounter represents the Reds first outing since their Women’s Premiership League Cup Final defeat to Sion Swifts at the end of June, the team had previously contested a number of fixtures without their international contingent, who are available for selection once again.

McGuinness was one of half a dozen Cliftonville stars who made history when they featured for Northern Ireland at Euro 2022 and reflects: “It was really special not only playing in the Euros but having five of my Club team-mates with me is an experience I’ll never forget.

“We just hope we did the Club proud.”

Crusaders Strikers v Cliftonville Ladies
Seaview, 8.00pm
Adults: £2
Concessions: £1
Tickets: Online