Hit for six
Yesterday’s North Belfast Derby win not only ended Cliftonville’s long run without a League victory over Crusaders, it also guaranteed that Barry Gray’s men will finish in the Danske Bank Premiership’s top six.
The two-way split will take effect following the 33rd round of fixtures on Friday, March 23, when teams in the respective halves of the table will compete with one another for the Gibson Cup, European qualification, continental and relegation Play-Off spots as well as survival in the top flight.
With five teams now confirmed for top six berths, Cliftonville’s post-split schedule becomes a little clearer, with just Glentoran and Ballymena United battling it out for the one remaining space in the Premiership’s upper half.
cliftonvillefc.net will once again endeavour to keep the Red Army ahead of the game with our up-to-the-minute guide on all of our potential opponents, home dates and away days for the final five matches of the season.
The details below will be periodically updated to reflect the latest standings, allowing supporters to get an early gauge of how the Premiership run-in will shape up although, as ever, fans are advised that the fixtures template remains subject to ratification and indeed amendment at the discretion of the NI Football League.
Which teams have qualified for the Premiership’s top six?
1. Cliftonville
2. Coleraine
3. Crusaders
4. Glenavon
5. Linfield
6.
Which teams can still qualify for the Premiership’s top six?
Ballymena United
Glentoran
Where will Cliftonville’s fixtures be played against all opponents?
Ballymena United (The Showgrounds)
Coleraine (The Showgrounds)
Crusaders (Seaview)
Glenavon (Solitude)
Glentoran (Solitude)
Linfield (Windsor Park)
When will post-split fixtures take place?
Numbers reflective of Premiership positions following 33 rounds of fixtures on March 23
Tuesday, April 3 (7.45pm)
1 v 2
3 v 4
5 v 6
Saturday, April 7 (3pm)
1 v 3
2 v 5
4 v 6
Saturday, April 14 (3pm)
1 v 4
2 v 6
3 v 5
Saturday, April 21 (3pm)
1 v 5
2 v 4
3 v 6
Saturday, April 28 (3pm)
1 v 6
2 v 3
4 v 5