Ladies’ Final frontier

On the eve of the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup Final, cliftonvillefc.net takes a timely whistle-stop tour through Cliftonville Ladies’ route towards tomorrow’s decisive showdown with Galway United.

Originally scheduled to kick their Group C campaign off against Derry City Women, the Candystripes’ withdrawal from the competition instead saw Sion Swifts make the journey to Solitude on August 17.

After Zoe McGlynn had punished a defensive mix-up to stroke the visitors ahead, the Reds levelled through Fi Morgan’s inch-perfect looping header on the stroke of half-time.

The hosts came close to edging in front throughout the second-half, with a fine save from the keeper denying Caitlin McGuinness, before Danielle Maxwell (above) pounced with a cool finish to ensure three points from Cliftonville’s opening fixture.

Maxwell was the hero again seven days later when John McGrady’s side posted another come-from-behind success – this time against Bohemians in Dublin.

Trailing to Kira Bates Crosbie’s 36th minute leader, the away side – who were unfortunate to find themselves behind at the break – roared back when Abbie Magee put the finishing touch to a sweeping team move early in the second period (below).

The Reds always looked the more likely to go on and win the game and it was Maxwell who settled the issue – although there appeared to be a degree of fortune in the 67th minute effort that crept in at the far post, with most inside Dalymount Park assuming that it had been intended as a cross.

Cliftonville led regardless and their fortune held a few minutes from time when Bohs’ Mia Dodds was off target with a penalty kick that might have rescued a point for the League of Ireland side, but which instead ensured the Reds had won Group C with a game to spare.

Seven days later, Maxwell netted for the third time in as many outings in the competition, only for Emma Doherty to register a quickfire leveller that earned Sligo Rovers a draw at Solitude, where Cliftonville would soon welcome Cork City, having been handed home advantage in the semi-final.

McGuinness’ 12th minute header (above) proved the only goal of a keenly-contested encounter as the Reds progressed to a tomorrow’s showpiece with Galway United at The Showgrounds in Sligo.

While tickets can be purchased from the Sligo Rovers website at a cost of €10 for Adults and €5 for Under-16s, presentation of your Reds Season Ticket will provide free access at the turnstiles.

The North Belfast Reds CSC and Jonny Addis CSC are running a bus to the game, departing Cassidy’s Bar at 11am and picking up at Cliftonville Street at 11.10am.

Seats cost £15 per person and must be booked and paid for in advance. Amid limited availability, anyone interested in being part of the occasion is encouraged to make their interest known as soon as possible.

The Club, meanwhile, place on record our sincere gratitude to EG Freight for their sponsorship of the team’s pre-match meal as John McGrady as his players target an historic success in the first of three Cup Finals in the coming weeks.

Avenir Sports All-Island Cup Final Tickets
Adults: €10
Under-16s: €5

Buy online: Here
Tickets also available at the turnstiles
Free admission to Cliftonville Season Ticket holders