Our first taste of Coagh

As well as commencing Cliftonville’s defence of the BetMcLean Cup, this evening’s first round tie at Solitude also represents a first ever meeting with Coagh United.

Despite 55 years of shared history, the Clubs have never previously faced off in either competitive or friendly action, with the County Tyrone outfit set to become the 163rd different opponent the Reds have gone head-to-head with.

Sitting 12th in the Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League, Coagh have played just two League fixtures so far this season, following up an opening day draw at Portstewart with derby defeat to Moyola Park before their scheduled clash with Banbridge Town at the weekend was, like Cliftonville’s encounter with Glentoran, postponed.

They did, however, come through a preliminary round to set up this evening’s tie, with goals from Samuel McIlveen and Owen McKeown earning a 2-1 away win over Ballyclare Comrades, whose equaliser came from former Reds defender Paul Finnegan.

Having been granted a bye past the first round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup, Barry Coulter’s side suffered a 4-0 reverse to Abbey Villa in the next stage, however victories over Fivemiletown United and Bourneview Mill have earned recent progression to the second phase of the Bob Radcliffe Cup, while a busy spell of knockout action sees the Hagan Park outfit tackle Donegal Celtic on Intermediate Cup duty this coming Saturday.

Prior to that, however, comes tonight’s historic first ever meeting with Ireland’s Oldest Football Club and you can ensure your place at Solitude right now by securing an online ticket at a cost of £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions, with Members and Season Ticket holders reminded that their passes are not valid for this match.

Cliftonville v Coagh United
Tuesday, October 7 (7.45pm)
Adults: £10
Concessions: £5
Tickets: General Sale
Members Tickets and Season Tickets NOT valid