The month ahead: September

A new month brings fresh challenges as Cliftonville gear up for five fixtures in September, starting with the first knockout contest of the season on Tuesday night.

After hosting Ards on County Antrim Shield duty, the Reds travel to Loughgall for a Sports Direct Premiership assignment on the 14th before tackling Linfield at Solitude three days later.

A League trip to Ballymena United follows on the 21st ahead of a home encounter with Larne on Friday the 27th rounding the month off.

Cliftonville Ladies will, meanwhile, be in Sports Direct Women’s Premiership action when they travel to the Brandywell to face Derry City Women on Friday night.

After an Electric Ireland Irish Cup semi-final showdown with Glentoran Women at Dixon Park seven days later, John McGrady’s side are then away to Lisburn Rangers on the 16th.

Lisburn Ladies visit Solitude on the 20th and, after the Reds do battle with Larne Women at Inver Park on the 23rd, Solitude hosts a Sunday showdown with Lisburn Rangers on the 29th – so be sure that all of those dates are in your diary as we gear up for another big run of matches.

This month’s fixtures
Tuesday, September 3
County Antrim Shield first round
Cliftonville v Ards (7.45pm)

Friday, September 6
Sports Direct Women’s Premiership
Derry City Women v Cliftonville Ladies (7.45pm)

Friday, September 13
Electric Ireland Women’s Irish Cup semi-final
Cliftonville Ladies v Glentoran Women (Dixon Park, 7.30pm)

Saturday, September 14
Sports Direct Premiership
Loughgall v Cliftonville (3pm)

Monday, September 16
Sports Direct Women’s Premiership
Lisburn Rangers v Cliftonville Ladies (7.45pm)

Tuesday, September 17
Sports Direct Premiership
Cliftonville v Linfield (7.45pm)

Friday, September 20
Sports Direct Women’s Premiership
Cliftonville Ladies v Lisburn Ladies

Saturday, September 21
Sports Direct Premiership
Ballymena United v Cliftonville (3pm)

Monday, September 23
Sports Direct Women’s Premiership
Larne Women v Cliftonville Ladies (7.45pm)

Friday, September 27
Sports Direct Premiership
Cliftonville v Larne (7.45pm)

Sunday, September 29
Sports Direct Women’s Premiership
Cliftonville Ladies v Lisburn Rangers (3pm)