Going in search of treble

This Sunday sees Cliftonville Ladies contest a fourth successive VBet Women’s League Cup Final, with John McGrady’s side bidding to claim the trophy for a third season in a row when they tackle Glentoran Women at Seaview.

Though they’ve lifted the silverware in each of the last two campaigns, the Reds’ run of appearances in the competition’s showpiece occasion actually started with defeat to Sion Swifts Ladies back in 2022.

Minus the services of a host of key players who were ruled out after being selected in the Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming European Championship, Cliftonville survived a second-half penalty miss by the Strabane outfit, who eventually edged in front early in extra-time at Blanchflower Stadium (above) before making sure of things with a second goal in the closing seconds.

The following year, however, the Reds got their hands on the League Cup for the very first time courtesy of a 3-1 victory over the same opponents.

Stangmore Park provided the stage for a hat-trick from Caitlin McGuinness, who broke the deadlock on 12 minutes before quickly doubling her and her team’s tally.

Though Sion reduced the arrears on the hour mark, McGuinness made sure of the win when she slotted home with 15 minutes remaining to become just the second player to score a treble in the League Cup Final – following in the footsteps of older sister Kirsty, who achieved the feat when Linfield Ladies got the better of Newry City in 2017.

Cliftonville returned to Blanchflower Stadium for last year’s decider with Lisburn Rangers and needed just 11 minutes to take the lead when Kirsty McGuinness netted from close range.

After Louise McDaniel and Toni Leigh Finnegan had seen attempts come back off the woodwork, the Reds found the security goal they were striving for when Vicky Carleton converted Marrisa Callaghan’s injury-time assist.

Boss McGrady and his players would be hugely appreciative of all support they receive for this Sunday’s showdown with the Glens at Seaview, where you can secure a seat at a cost of just £5 (or £2 for Concessions) online.