McGrady’s train of thought

John McGrady says the frustrations of Cliftonville Ladies’ three-week break without a fixture has been mitigated by the extra opportunities afforded on the training pitch.

The Reds commence their post-split Danske Bank Women’s Premiership schedule with a home match against Linfield Ladies this evening having seen their lead at the top of the standings reduced to just a single point since they last kicked a ball.

McGrady, whose side hold a game in hand over nearest challengers and defending Champions Glentoran Women, believes he, his staff and his players have used their recent downtime to good effect.

“It’s been frustrating from the view of everyone is involved in football to play matches but, at the same time, it has given us some valuable time to work on things on the training pitch,” he explains.

“There has actually been a calmness about everything the last couple of sessions. It’s as if the players know their role and they are just ready to go.”

A goalless draw with Linfield during last season’s title run-in proved costly to Cliftonville’s prospects but McGrady insists it’s the Blues’ abilities now – rather than the memory of last year’s encounter – that has been his focus.

“That was last season, there are results that differ every season,” he adds.

“We know Linfield will be a tough opponent. They won’t want us winning the League, so we know it’s a tough game.”

Cliftonville Ladies v Linfield Ladies
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