Excitement is building in both the Cliftonville Ladies and Lisburn Rangers camps as they prepare to meet in the VBET Women's League Cup final this Sunday (30th June) at the Blanchflower Stadium, kick-off 3pm.

For the Reds it marks a chance to retain the trophy they lifted for the first time last season - and make a record fourth appearance in the decider - while Lisburn Rangers are in their first final in their first season in senior football.

Indeed, Rangers' progress to the decider is just the latest step in a remarkable journey that has charted their progression through the NIWFA pyramid to taking their place this season in the Women's Premiership.

Defender Erin McGreevy has played an instrumental role in Rangers' success and is delighted with the start they've made to their maiden season in the top flight which has, so far, produced four wins from their opening five games and that place in Sunday's final.

"It's unbelievable. It's what we've all been looking forward to since we joined the NIWFA, it's been a long time coming so we're just trying to enjoy ourselves," she said.

"Obviously it's been hard work over the last five years, but now that we're here we're just trying to develop.

"We know all the games are just going to get harder, and all the other teams are going to develop just as we will, but the younger girls coming through will be looking up to us so it's also about setting an example to them."

Looking forward to the final, the 20-year-old can't wait for the big day to arrive.

"Everyone keeps talking about the pressure, but we'll just go into it focusing on ourselves. It would be unbelievable to win it, I've been at the club from the start so it would be a really, really proud moment for me and all the girls."

Those views are echoed by club skipper Helen Parker.

"I think it would mean the world to me as captain to get my hands on the trophy. We've come through the leagues, we've done it all but this is where it really matters," she said.

And Parker is at pains to point out one big factor in Rangers' success over the years.

"Our togetherness has carried us through the leagues. Some players have come, and some have gone, but the majority of us have stayed together. We're just a big family, you can tell both on and off the pitch how close we are.

"We also have a good fanbase behind us, so it's massive for everyone involved with Lisburn Rangers. We're all very, very excited. We can't wait."

Holders Cliftonville go into the game looking to build on what has been an impressive start to the season.

The Reds have won all five of their Women's Premiership outings to date but, as defender Kelsie Burrows says, they're only getting started.

"This season has been really positive for us as a team. We've put in some really good performances building up to this point, but we feel that we haven't really got to our highest level just yet."

Whilst the Reds are aiming for back-to-back victories, the Northern Ireland international insists that they won't be underestimating Rangers this weekend.

"We've played them before in a couple of cup competitions, but they've come into the league now and will want to prove themselves. We're expecting a very good standard of football from them, so it'll make for a very good final."

Team-mate Abbie Magee is relishing the prospect of playing in the big game and is hoping the Reds' recent success in the competition will stand them in good stead on Sunday.

"Playing in any final is a massive achievement, and having the experience off the back of previous finals I think will really help us. It is just another game, but there is that little bit more pressure when you're going for a trophy."

"This will be the first time we've played them in the final which will be nice. They've really put their mark on the league since they've come in and have got some really good wins.

"I think it's going to be an exciting final, and there is that wee bit of rivalry as with any game, but we're just looking forward to it."

The game will be streamed live on the DAZN network, something that Magee sees as a huge positive and indicative of the progress that Women's football has made in Northern Ireland.

"To have them on board, and have the games live streamed, really is incredible and just shows how much Women's football is growing in this country - and it'll just keep on growing with the amount of young girls from grassroots levels that are getting into the game."

The eagerly anticipated VBET Women's League Cup Final will be played at Blanchflower Stadium in Belfast, on Sunday 30 June with a 3pm kick-off.

As part of the NI Football League’s new partnership with DAZN, the final will also be available to watch live and on demand across the world on the Global Home of Women's Football.

Tickets are now available online from www.nifootballleague.com/tickets priced at £5 for adults and £1 for Under 16’s.