The month ahead: January

Cliftonville face seven fixtures across three competitions during a busy opening month to 2026 – and it all kicks off with Saturday’s Sports Direct Premiership trip to Portadown.

The Reds then play host to Dundela in the fifth round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup before returning to League duty in a Showgrounds showdown with Ballymena United.

Our only home Premiership fixture in January sees Carrick Rangers visit Solitude on the 17th, just three days before the sides lock horns in the County Antrim Shield Final at Seaview.

After a third visit of the season to take on Glentoran at The Oval follows on Sunday the 25th, Cliftonville complete the month by travelling to Glenavon the 31st – 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
Saturday, January 3
Sports Direct Premiership
Portadown v Cliftonville (3pm)

Saturday, January 10
Clearer Water Irish Cup fifth round
Cliftonville v Dundela (3pm)

Tuesday, January 13
Sports Direct Premiership
Ballymena United v Cliftonville (7.45pm)

Saturday, January 17
Sports Direct Premiership
Cliftonville v Carrick Rangers (3pm)

Tuesday, January 20
County Antrim Shield Final
Carrick Rangers v Cliftonville (7.45pm)

Sunday, January 25
Sports Direct Premiership
Glentoran v Cliftonville (2pm)

Saturday, January 31
Sports Direct Premiership
Glenavon v Cliftonville (3pm)