Giving everything for the Kos

Best wishes are extended to Cliftonville Ladies as they bid to make history in tomorrow’s Women’s Champions League clash with Mitrovica.

No Irish League team has ever progressed beyond the first round of the competition but, as they acclimatise to their Kosovan surroundings, John McGrady’s side have their sights set on claiming that European landmark for themselves.

If they do, they will remain in Pristina for a Saturday showdown with Georgian representatives Lanchkhuti as part of a complex draw procedure that Chairman Kieran Harding naturally hopes they enjoy an extended part in.

“Everyone at Cliftonville wishes our Ladies team the very best of luck in the Champions League,” he said.

“In being crowned invincible Sports Direct Women’s Premiership Champions by winning every single League game last season, as well as lifting both the Irish Cup and League Cup – which they recently retained – the team have a proven track record of doing the Club proud and I have no doubt they will do the same in Europe.

“It would be wonderful if they could make history by overcoming Mitrovica to extend their stay in Kosovo but, whatever happens, we know we can rely on the coaching staff and the players to further enhance Cliftonville Ladies’ reputation with typically professional preparation and a never-say-die attitude when the whistle goes.”

Tomorrow’s Group 6 semi-final at Zahir Pajaziti Stadium in Podujeve kicks off at 3pm, with the winners progressing to tackle Lanchkhuti at the same venue on Saturday.

Whoever comes out on top in that game will meet Vorskla Poltava (Ukraine) in second qualifying round Group 5 on August 27, with either Gintra (Lithuania) or Farul Constanta (Romania) awaiting in the Final three days later.