The state of play

Following the 4-1 victory over Loughgall that saw Cliftonville finish the Sports Direct Premiership season in seventh place, supporters are advised of the permutations that will come into effect regarding the forthcoming European Play-Offs.

Should the Reds defeat Dungannon Swifts in next Saturday’s Clearer Water Irish Cup Final, we will qualify directly for the UEFA Conference League, which we would enter at the second qualifying stage.

If, however, we are unsuccessful in our bid to retain the Irish Cup, we will feature in the Play-Offs, with a semi-final against Glentoran at The Oval scheduled for Tuesday, May 6 or Wednesday, May 7.

The winners of that game will then take on the winners of the other semi-final between Coleraine and Crusaders on either Saturday, May 10 or Sunday, May 11, when a place in the first qualifying round of the Conference League will be up for grabs.

Full confirmation of all dates and kick-off times will be ratified by the NI Football League in due course.