44 minutes ago
image description,
Kerry Beattie (left) says new Northern Ireland coach Tanya Oxtoby has helped young players like her and experienced internationals like Sarah McFadden (right).
Kerry Beattie says watching Cliftonville win the Women’s Premiership last season was “hard to bear” as Glentoran look to reclaim the title from their Belfast rivals.
Glentoran can win the league with a win over the Reds at Ashfield on Monday, with the placings decided in a head-to-head tie.
The teams played to an entertaining 2-2 draw at Solitude in June.
“Seeing them lift the trophy at Solitude is something that kind of stuck with us,” Beattie said.
“Seeing that may have been a motivation this year, but no matter what happens, hunger doesn’t change.”
Cliftonville and Glentoran have been title rivals for the past three seasons, with the Reds ending the Glens’ title run with their first championship last season.
The East Belfast side have bounced back in the new season and their only points lost came in the draw at Solitude in June.
Cliftonville lost to north Belfast-based Crusaders to give Glentoran even more initiative, but the reigning champions know a win on Monday would keep their title hopes alive and put the Glens under pressure.
Thanks to their commitment to the Champions League, Cliftonville still have games in hand and can still mathematically catch Glentoran, but with placings decided on head-to-head rather than goal difference, victory for the hosts at Ashfield would clinch the title with three games to go seal spare part.
image description,
The Women’s Premiership consists of 18 games per season
“We feel very, very positive. We don’t really think about the outcome, just the game in front of us,” added the 21-year-old Beattie, who is the league’s top scorer with 27 goals.
“At the end of the day, we know what a win in this game can bring, but we’re just focused on our job and working hard. That would mean everything.”
“It gives you extra excitement when you know there’s a big game coming up, especially when we’ve been waiting for it for a few weeks. We are all very excited.”
Former Northern Ireland midfielder Kim Turner has joined the Glentoran coaching team and Beattie says she has brought greater professionalism to the club.
“We are professional and we worked so hard in pre-season that it was the hardest pre-season I have ever had,” she added.
“It was great, the girls were full of energy and fit. At the start of this season we were much better prepared as a team and we strengthened ourselves with Demi.” [Vance]Emily [Wilson] and a few new signings, so ultimately there were big changes. They created a positive environment.
“We are always hungry. It doesn’t matter if we won last season, we always want to win. No matter where we are in the league, every game is a must for us.”
“I’m in a better place”
After being one of the standout stars of the Women’s Premiership, Beattie moved to Glasgow City in January 2022 but soon returned home.
“Small habits and one percent growth can make you a better player, especially off the field. What matters when no one is watching is what I learned while I was away.”
“It’s great to be playing on the pitch with my friends again. It would be great.”
“This year it would mean a lot more than it ever has, just because of everything that happened last year.”
“I’m delighted to be back at Glentoran and I want nothing more than to lift this trophy at the end of the season.”
Beattie has also returned to the national team and scored her second international goal in a win over the Czech Republic in July. She was called up to Tanya Oxtoby’s first squad in September but was not given any minutes, although she said learning from the former Chelsea assistant coach was an invaluable experience.
“As far as the future goes, I’m really excited about what’s to come.
“Tanya has been great and there have been big changes in the last few weeks. I’m excited about what lies ahead and I think the changes came at the right time.”
“I think we can do really well in the Nations League. We learned a lot against the Republic and won against Albania.”
“She brings a lot to the entire team, whether it’s me or Sarah Mac [McFadden]who has now played 100 international matches.
“I think she brings so much professionalism and she’s a fresh face with a fresh philosophy. Going forward, we’re really excited about what’s to come.”
Comments are closed.