CLIFTONVILLE WIN LEAGUE CUP FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Cliftonville defeated Glentoran 4-0 in the Women's League Cup final at Seaview to claim the trophy for a fourth successive year. Caitlin McGuinness scored twice, with her sister Kirsty McGuinness and substitute Danielle Maxwell also scoring. Cliftonville captain Kelsie Burrows said the victory represents "a real good start" in their attempt to win a domestic treble this season. The match was played against the Women's Premiership champions.

Cliftonville won the League Cup and Irish Cup in the previous season but finished second in the league on the final day, behind Glentoran. Both sides have won their opening five league matches of the current season, with Cliftonville second on goal difference. During the match, Cliftonville's pressing prevented Glentoran from playing out from the back. Burrows said the team studied Glentoran's approach during the week and worked on their press to disrupt their build-up play.

Burrows stated that the victory demonstrated a tactical blueprint for future meetings with Glentoran in the league, which resumes in August. She said the team identified Glentoran's weaknesses and capitalised on winning the ball in high positions. Cliftonville still has two further cup competitions to contest in their pursuit of the treble. Brendan Lynch's side are managed to apply their high-pressing approach successfully against the league leaders.