Athletic adventure

Though tonight’s BetMcLean Cup clash with Strabane Athletic represents a first ever competitive meeting between the Clubs, the sides have locked horns on one prior occasion.

Just over a decade ago – on July 18, 2015, to be precise – the Reds travelled to Melvin Sports Complex in the County Tyrone town for a pre-season friendly and emerged 8-0 victors thanks to goals from Davy McDaid (2), Jay Donnelly (2), Martin Murray (2), Guillaume Keke and Martin Donnelly.

Elevated to the NI Football League structure for the very first time after defeating Crewe United in the promotion Play-Offs at the end of last season, Strabane sit 10th in the 14-team Premier Intermediate League following four matches so far this term.

Goals from Dylan Woods and Gary Merritt earned an historic 2-1 win over Oxford Sunnyside on the opening day of the campaign, since when they have drawn 2-2 with Dergview before suffering back-to-back League defeats against Portstewart and Newry City.

They did, however, claim a notable scalp in the first round of the BetMcLean Cup by overcoming Loughgall at Lakeview Park.

Sean McCallion and Oisin Duffy twice had Strabane in front and, when the Villagers hit back to force the contest into extra-time, Cathal McShane struck the all-important winner to set up this evening’s maiden trip to Solitude.

Cliftonville v Strabane Athletic
Wednesday, November 5 (7.45pm)
Adults: £10
Concessions: £5
Tickets: General Sale
Members Tickets and Season Tickets NOT valid