Cliftonville 'relieved' to retain League Cup - McGuinness

Kirsty McGuinness (left) pictured with sisters Orleigha and Caitlin after winning the League Cup

Cliftonville winger Kirsty McGuinness expressed her relief that her side were able to "get over the line" against Lisburn Rangers in the Women's League Cup final.

McGuinness opened the scoring for the Reds in the decider at the Blanchflower Stadium, with Victoria Carleton adding a late second to help the holders retain the trophy.

The 29-year old admits Lisburn Rangers pushed her side all the way in the final, which only added to the satisfaction of securing the victory for the Reds.

"It’s great to get the win and to retain the cup. I’m just glad we got over the line in the end as it was a tough game," she told BBC Sport NI.

'It was a hard-fought win'

McGuinness opened the scoring on 11 minutes, getting on the end of a cross from sister Caitlin to fire home from close range.

She explained how that goal was very similar to one she scored in the County Antrim Cup final last season.

"I think the goal was a replica of the one last year, she was down the right wing and I was in the box and I knew when it was coming across just get a connection on it and it was going in," she added.

Cliftonville dominated proceedings and missed a host of chances after the first goal.

Lisburn Rangers goalkeeper Emma Higgins produced a number of saves, with Louise McDaniel and Toni-Leigh Finnegan hitting the woodwork.

Gracie Conway hit the crossbar for Rangers in the second half, before a low finish from Carleton in injury time secured the win for Cliftonville.

"I think we could have been four or five goals up before half time, their goalkeeper was outstanding and thankfully we got the second goal and saw the game out."

Carleton and Kirsty McGuinness scored the goals that helped Cliftonville retain the League Cup

Midfielder Carleton believes the result sets the Reds up well for their first Women's Premiership meeting of the season with Glentoran on Thursday.

The two sides go into the game at the Blanchflower having won all their league games so far.

"It was a hard-fought win, we had a lot of chances we didn’t take but we finally got there in the end," she said.

"The pressure is on you when you have the trophy so I’m glad we defended it. I think everyone will have a buzz and we just have to focus again for Thursday."