Glentoran will be aiming for an unprecedented five-in-a-row when Kym Nelson’s women take on
arch-rivals Cliftonville in tonight’s Electric Ireland Challenge Cup final at Windsor Park.
Just last week, captain Jess Foy lifted the league trophy after overcoming Cliftonville’s season-long
challenge, and she is keeping her game-face firmly on until the final whistle sounds tonight.
“There was no major celebrating done last weekend.
“We enjoyed the trophy presentation and sharing that with each other and our families, but
afterwards it was a couple of days rest and the mind fully focused on this cup final.
“If we can do the business on Saturday, the champagne will be well and truly popped afterwards”.
Glentoran have blown away all before them in their run on the way to their 12th Challenge Cup final
appearance, beating Larne, Lisburn and Sion swifts en-route.
A win for Foy’s side would be a record-breaking 10 in total. Without conceding a goal on the road to the final, the Glens have an impressive defensive record, but Foy is under no illusions of the step up they face when they come up against last year’s league champions.
“We have drawn with them twice this year, so we know what they are about and the challenges they will pose.
“We can take some pride in both games we have come from behind, showing we have a fighting mentality. I think we are two very evenly matched sides”.
Having defeated Lisburn Rangers, Ballymena United and Linfield so far in the competition, Cliftonville will be hoping to end their campaign on a high.
Having claimed both County Antrim and League Cups already this year, the 2015 Challenge Cup winners will be looking for some further consolation after finishing second to their rivals from east Belfast in the league.
In last season’s showpiece Glentoran saw off Sion 2-1, with captain Foy on the scoresheet on that occasion, alongside Joely Andrews.
Foy may feel disappointed not to have made the Northern Ireland squad this week for their upcoming double-header with Hungary in the Nations League. However, the Carryduff woman has not given up on earning a recall to the setup after a couple of seasons in the international wilderness.
“I would never say never. I still keep in contact with the girls, and I know that (new coach) Tanya Oxtoby will reward performances.
“All I can do is keep plugging away and keep playing well. That continues this Saturday night”.
