Wexing lyrical

Ahead of tonight’s Women’s Premiership League Cup semi-final with Glentoran Women, John McGrady says that Cliftonville Ladies have wasted no time feeling sorry for themselves in the aftermath of a chastening Avenir Sports All-Island Cup defeat to Wexford.

The Reds shipped six goals without reply at Ferrycarrig Park last weekend but, as the Manager explains, the coaching staff have had no trouble lifting the team’s spirits for tonight’s Solitude showdown.

“We literally got back on to the training pitch and started working,” he says when asked the best means of shaking such a result out of the system.

“The players went about it themselves, nobody felt sorry for themselves. It’s part of football and we take lessons from it.

“Glentoran will give us another strong challenge and we know how tough a game it will be, so all the focus has been on that and there has been no time to sit and dwell. The reactions in training have lifted the coaching staff. Attitudes have been brilliant from everyone.”

While the Men’s team signed off from Solitude for the season with a victory over the Glens last Saturday, tonight’s tussle represents the Ladies’ first domestic home game of the 2024 campaign and McGrady has urged Cliftonville supporters to make their matches a regular Friday night appointment over the summer months.

“There is nothing better than having a good crowd at our games,” he adds.

“It gives the players a lift, they respond to it. The players love being a part of this Club and have felt the energy of the Men’s team doing so well. They go to Men’s games and will be there to support them in the Irish Cup Final – it’s all one Club, so it means a lot when the Red Army come through the gate to support.

“The girls work tirelessly and deserve that support from our Club’s fans but more than that, they appreciate it immensely.”

Cliftonville Ladies v Glentoran Women
Cash turnstiles
Adults: £4
Concessions: £1

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