The month ahead: October

It’s been a lengthy wait but now, at long last, Cliftonville are on the brink of a return to competitive action – with up to six fixtures slated for the month of October.

After concluding their pre-season preparations with a friendly against fellow Danske Bank Premiership side Warrenpoint Town at Solitude on Saturday, the Reds will begin their defence of the County Antrim Shield in a home game with Knockbreda on the 10th.

Assuming that goes to plan, either Dundela or Queen’s University will be our visitors for a quarter-final contest three days later ahead of the new Premership term kicking off just as the old one had ended – against Glentoran.

Cliftonville’s only away game in October sees Seaview host the North Belfast Derby with Crusaders on the 24th before Paddy McLaughlin’s side return to Solitude for a Halloween showdown with Carrick Rangers – so add all of those dates to your diary and make sure you’re part of things as the Reds bid to make progress on more than one front in the weeks ahead.

This month’s fixtures
Saturday, October 3
Friendly
Cliftonville v Warrenpoint Town (3pm)

Saturday, October 10
County Antrim Shield first round
Cliftonville v Knockbreda (3pm)

Tuesday, October 13
Potential County Antrim Shield quarter-final
Cliftonville v Dundela/ Queen’s University (7.45pm)

Saturday, October 17
Danske Bank Premiership
Cliftonville v Glentoran (3pm)

Saturday, October 24
Danske Bank Premiership
Crusaders v Cliftonville (3pm)

Saturday, October 31
Danske Bank Premiership
Cliftonville v Carrick Rangers (3pm)