Close quarter

Cliftonville Ladies will take a break from the cut and thrust of Sports Direct Women’s Premiership action when they continue their defence of the Irish Cup this weekend.

The Reds, who lead the League table by eight points – albeit having played more fixtures than all of their title rivals – welcome Derry City Women to Solitude for a quarter-final tussle on Friday night.

Brendan Lynch’s side have lifted the Irish Cup in each of the past two seasons and will bid to take another step forwards a third consecutive success when they host the Candystripes in a tie slated for a 7.30pm start, with admission set at £5 for Adults and £2 for Concessions.