Norney’s on Final countdown

Rachael Norney says the rescheduling of the Women’s Premiership League Cup Final has only heightened the sense of anticipation as the countdown to kick-off gathers pace.

Originally pencilled in for the end of last month, the Stangmore Park showdown between Cliftonville Ladies and Sion Swifts Ladies is set to take place on Thursday evening and Norney can’t wait for the occasion to get under way.

“We’re all excited, especially with this Cup Final having a few delays,” explains the 19-year-old goalkeeper, who was part of the side that recently lifted the County Antrim Cup.

“We just can’t wait to play and trying to get another trophy in the bag. Winning only makes you keep wanting to be the best of the best, so we will push hard to remain at the top and lift another trophy.”

Norney, like many of her team-mates, has already experienced heartache in this particular competition, having lost out to Sion in last year’s Final at Blanchflower Stadium. The Reds came out on top when the sides met on both Premiership and All-Island Cup duty earlier this season but the Cliftonville custodian insists those results will count for nothing on Thursday.

“Sion are a strong team who always pose a threat,” she adds.

“We know we need to turn up and get the dirty work done on the night. We will do our research, prepare well at training and just play our game, and hopefully sticking to that process takes us over the line.”

Women’s Premiership League Cup Final
Thursday, Stangmore Park (7.45pm)
Adults: £5
Under-16s: Free