The month ahead: May

Cliftonville face a minimum of six fixtures over two competitions in May as the conclusion of the Danske Bank Premiership goes side by side with the business stages of the Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup.

After this afternoon’s encounter with Coleraine at The Showgrounds, the Reds welcome Larne to Solitude on Tuesday before an Irish Cup second round commitment with an opponent to be confirmed by this evening’s draw.

While it is naturally hoped that Paddy McLaughlin’s men will have further Cup engagements on May 11, 18 and 21, the next confirmed fixture on the list is a League date with Glentoran at The Oval on the 15th.

A North Belfast Derby with Crusaders follows on May 25 ahead of the curtain coming down on the Premiership programme when Linfield visit Solitude on Saturday, May 29 – so be sure to add all of those dates to your diary as Cliftonville bid to generate some vital momentum at this key stage of the season.

This month’s confirmed fixtures
Saturday, May 1
Danske Bank Premiership
Coleraine v Cliftonville (3pm)

Tuesday, May 4
Danske Bank Premiership
Cliftonville v Larne (7.45pm)

Saturday, May 8
Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup Second Round
TBC (3pm)

Saturday, May 15
Danske Bank Premiership
Glentoran v Cliftonville (3pm)

Tuesday, May 25
Danske Bank Premiership
Cliftonville v Crusaders (7.45pm)

Saturday, May 29
Danske Bank Premiership
Cliftonville v Linfield (5.30pm)