This year’s Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup final will see the ‘Invincibles’ going for the treble.
But standing in their way are the new kids on the block who would love to cap a memorable season of their own by getting their hands on a trophy.
All-conquering Cliftonville Ladies have never won a league and Irish Cup double. However, after lifting the league trophy for the second time in three seasons, securing the double will be their aim when they take on league newcomers Lisburn Rangers Ladies in the cup final in Belfast this evening (7 o’clock kick-off).
The Reds have already won the NIFL League Cup as well as the NIFL Women’s Premiership, so if they are victorious at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park they will have a treble to celebrate alongside the traditional double.
Lisburn Rangers Ladies have taken to the NIFL Women’s Premiership like ducks to water.
In their first season in the Premiership they have more than held their own, finishing fourth ahead of the likes of Crusaders Strikers and Larne Women.
They go into today’s final as massive underdogs given that the Reds won all 16 of their league games to earn the ‘Invincibles’ tag.
Cliftonville boss John McGrady is not expecting them to roll over, however, despite his side enjoying two wins against the Lisburn Blues in the league (3-2 and 8-1) and another in the League Cup final (2-0).
In the matchday programme he says: “Today we face a familiar opponent in Lisburn Rangers, who have enjoyed a strong season with a talented squad.
“Our three encounters this year, including the League Cup final, have set the scene for what promises to be an exciting, high quality match.”
Cliftonville successfully eclipsed Glentoran Women as they secured the league crown but it still rankles that the Glens got the better of them in last year’s Irish Cup decider by three goals to nil.
On their way to today’s showpiece game the Reds defeated Lisburn Ladies (5-0), Crusaders Strikers (7-0) and holders Glentoran by three goals to one in the semi-finals, however McGrady points out: “As we strive to win the Irish Cup today we carry the lessons from last year’s defeat in the final as motivation.”
Naturally, the manager is happy with his side as they bring the curtain down on a successful season. “Remaining undefeated in the league, with a perfect record, speaks volumes about our squad's consistency,” he admits.
Lisburn Rangers Ladies manager Alistair Dickson insists his team are ready to embrace the challenge of facing the Reds.
In the programme he points out: “Our ladies have enjoyed a remarkable first season in the NIFL Women’s Premiership with a fourth place league finish, a League Cup final appearance and now an Irish Cup final appearance.
“From our initial senior appearance in 2019 to tonight’s first experience of playing at our National Stadium, it is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the work and dedication of our players and our coaches and staff.
“We will embrace the challenge that the league champions, Cliftonville Ladies, will bring by building on what we have learnt from life in the Premiership.”
On their way to the final the Lisburn Blues received a bye before defeating Mid Ulster Ladies (7-0) and Derry City Women 2-1 in the semi-finals.
The Reds have a squad that includes several senior international players, as well as some youth internationals, while several players in the Lisburn Rangers’ ranks have played for Northern Ireland at Under-17 and Under-19 level.
Four of the Cliftonville players – Caitlin McGuinness, Kirsty McGuinness, Danielle Maxwell and Carla Devine – scored 10 or more league goals this season, while Caoimhe Mulholland was Lisburn Rangers’ top scorer with nine goals.
On paper the experienced outfit should win comfortably, however the youthful exuberance of their opponents might just unsettle them. Time will tell.
Image: Sophie Kelly-Bradley and Carla Devine met during a promotional photoshoot for the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup. They will meet again at the National Stadium in today’s final.
