Sports Direct Women’s Premiership kick off… Kelly Crompton calls for strong start as Glentoran begin title defence

KELLY Crompton says Glentoran plan to start as they mean to go on as they kick-off their defence of the Sports Direct Women’s Premiership at home to Lisburn Rangers on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

The Glens secured their first league title since 2023 thanks to a final day win over rivals Cliftonville last October in an enthralling finale to the season.

But even after adding a fourth league crown in six years, their 11th overall, Crompton says the BetMcLean Oval outfit are as hungry as ever to add to their tally again this season.

“It was a fantastic feeling to win the title, especially in the manner we did it on the final day of the season,” says Crompton.

“It was a tough season last year but also a very enjoyable one too as we won 16 of our 17 league games, which is a fantastic achievement.

“Cliftonville are a fantastic side and they pushed us all the way, which was good for us too as we knew we had to be at our best every week and we couldn’t afford any slip-ups.

“You know they aren’t going to drop too many points so you have to have that mindset that you go out to pick up three points every time you play.

“Thankfully we managed to do that and it paid dividends for us. Last season is gone now and all our focus has to be on retaining the title and we know exactly what we need to do to achieve that.

“Teams will be looking to wrestle the title back that’s for sure so we have to make sure we are on it from the first whistle in that first game.

“We do not want to be in the position where we are chasing any other teams down, our aim is to start well and keep that momentum going.”

Glentoran host Lisburn Rangers at the Blanchflower Stadium on Friday night as they begin their Sports Direct Women’s Premiership title defence, with Kelly Crompton under no illusions about the challenge ahead.

Despite not yet facing Rangers this season, Crompton knows exactly what to expect from a side that proved a difficult opponent throughout last year’s campaign.

“We know how tough Lisburn Rangers are going to be,” she said.

“They were a real test for us last season and every game against them was competitive. They’re well organised, work hard and make it difficult for you.

“The first game of the season always brings its own challenges as well, with players still finding rhythm and combinations, so we have to be ready from the first whistle.

“They’ll come here looking to make it difficult for us and try to get something from the game, so it’s important we match that intensity and focus on our own performance.

“There’s a really positive feel around the squad at the minute after a strong start in other competitions, but we know that means nothing unless we carry it into the league.

“We have big targets this season and it’s about setting the tone early and making sure we build momentum straight away.”