Kirsty for more

Kirsty McGuinness says Cliftonville Ladies’ title win is old news as she and her team-mates prepare for this afternoon’s Sports Direct Women’s Premiership opener with Linfield Women.

The Reds savoured an historic first ever top-flight crown last term but, having enjoyed the celebrations and basked in the glory of that achievement, McGuinness is determined to deliver even more silverware to Solitude.

“Obviously being a Champion is great and all but that’s last season’s success,” she declares.

“Our focus is on this season and working hard to hopefully bring even more success to the Club. I think being  Champions is going to bring its challenges and every team is going to want to take that title off us but we will welcome that challenge because that’s what football and being Champions is all about. We are going to work as hard as we can to keep that title.”

The first step down that path sees Cliftonville host Linfield today (4pm) in a game that McGuinness does not expect to have an easy ride in.

“I think every team is going to want to get their season off to a good start by getting points on the board and I’ve no doubt that’s what Linfield will want,” she says.

“But we have prepared really well for the game and worked hard during training so if we go out with the right attitude and mentality, we will hopefully be coming away with all three points.”

Cliftonville Ladies v Linfield Women
Today
Adults: £4
Concessions: £1
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