Taking it to the Max

Danielle Maxwell believes Cliftonville Ladies’ defeat in the Women’s Premiership League Cup Final has fuelled their ambition for the remainder of the season.

The Reds, who top the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership by eight points after winning all 11 of their outings so far, turn their attentions to Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup duty this evening when they host Linfield in the competition’s quarter-final stages.

Injury and international commitments ruled a host of Cliftonville players – Maxwell included – out of League Cup action, which culminated in a defeat to Sion Swifts Ladies in June’s Final, making the 20-year-old winger determined to have her say in the Irish Cup.

“I think most of the girls not being able to participate in the League Cup has given us more of a drive to go out and get the win,” she said ahead if tonight’s battle with the Blues.

“A Cup quarter-final is always exciting but especially when it’s in our home ground and all the girls are up for it.”

While the occasion affords the Reds a welcome break from the pressures of the Premiership, Maxwell insists she and her team-mates will be no less determined to come out on top under Solitude’s Friday night lights.

“I think with this being a Cup game and separate from the League, the girls don’t feel pressure and we are all excited to play in the Cup – and to top it off, it is at Solitude.”

Cliftonville Ladies v Linfield Ladies
Solitude, 7.30pm
Adults: £2
Concessions: £1