Run of the nil

Though tomorrow’s friendly marks Cliftonville’s first ever encounter with Longford Town at Solitude, the Clubs have met on one prior occasion.

Way back on August 1, 1993, Frankie Parkes’ Reds – whose pre-season schedule had included a 3-1 victory over Monaghan United the previous day – played out a scoreless draw with De Town at their Strokestown Road home (pictured) in a game which, perhaps unsurprisingly, has not lived long in the memory.

Some 26 years on, however, the sides will bid to produce some more stirring fare when they resume acquaintances this weekend in a game that new Reds boss Paddy McLaughlin will use to further run the rule over his squad.

Cliftonville XI v Longford (August 1, 1993)
McGreevy, Gill, Loughran, Tabb, Kerr, O’Kane, P McDonagh, Magee, Donnelly, McAllister, Strang. Subs (all used): McCann, McKenna Woods, Manley.

This weekend’s admission
Adults: £5
Under 16s: Free