BREADY UP FOR THE CUP AHEAD OF BONDS GLEN CHALLENGE

Bready Women captain Lucy McGranaghan believes her side are ready to turn a title-winning season into something even more memorable as they prepare for a huge cup clash with Bonds Glen on Friday.

The Magheramason side have already successfully defended their North West Premiership crown, but their appetite for silverware is far from satisfied.

In Friday’s Senior Cup final, emerging force Bonds Glen stand between Bready and another major trophy.

For McGranaghan, it represents both an exciting challenge and an opportunity to cap a superb campaign in style.

“We’re really looking forward to the final and it’s a great position for the club to be in,” said the Bready skipper. “We’ve already secured the Premiership, so now our full focus is on trying to finish the season with the cup as well.”

Cup success would carry particular significance for Bready given the stranglehold Tyrone rivals Fox Lodge have enjoyed on the competition over the past decade.

Bready have already proved themselves the benchmark over the course of the league season and McGranaghan believes the depth of their squad has been central to that success.

“We’ve got a really strong squad going into the final, with a good mix of experience and youth,” she said. “Everyone in the squad has contributed throughout the season, which is something we’re really proud of. Players like Ella Wasson have come in and made a big impact, while the experience of players who have been around the team for a long time has been really important as well. Having someone of Alana Dalzell’s quality and experience in the squad has also been a huge boost for us. Our younger players like Molly Buchanan and Maddie Rankin have also played an important part throughout the season. It’s great to have such a strong group available for such an important game.”

It makes for a demanding few days for Bready, but also underlines just how strong a season McGranaghan’s side have enjoyed. Should they come through both contests, Bready would have the opportunity to complete an outstanding haul of trophies, although their captain is taking nothing for granted — particularly against a Bonds Glen side whose rapid progress has been one of the stories of the North West women’s game.

“We know Bonds Glen will be a tough opponent,” McGranaghan added. “We’ve had good results against them during the league campaign, but a cup final is a completely different game and previous results won’t mean anything once we step onto the pitch. We’ll have to perform on the day and hopefully put ourselves in a position to win.”

Bready will also travel with considerable backing from a club eager to see its women’s section continue an impressive period of success.

“To have so much support around the team throughout the season has been brilliant,” said McGranaghan. “Hopefully we can give everyone another reason to celebrate on the final's day.”

With the Premiership already safely secured, Bready now have the chance to transform an excellent season into an exceptional one.