Sixteen fixtures in all as Clifftonville go for 5-in-a-row
Cliftonville won their fourth consecutive League Cup when they beat Ballymena United in last years final. The onus is now on the rest of the sides to finally wrest the trophy from their grasp, or see the North Belfast side pick up a fifth consecutive league cup.
The Reds will begin their defence with a game against 2011 winners Lisburn Distillery. DIstillery have dropped down to the Intermediate league since they won the competition so the cup could provide a timely reminder of better days for Distillery.
There's nothing quite like some midweek Cup football. pic.twitter.com/2iusLhU8gt
— Cliftonville FC (@cliftonvillefc) 29 August 2016
Coleraine will entertain Limavady at the Showgrounds in a derby encounter. The Bannsiders gave their season a much needed boost with a 4-1 win over Glentoran. Coleraine boss Oran Kearney knows he can take nothing for granted with the Intermediate side.
Coleraine take on @LimavadyUtdFC tomorrow night at home in the league cup. KO 7.45pm
— Coleraine FC (@ColeraineFC) 29 August 2016
Let's embark on another cup run
Premiership champions Crusaders will begin their cup campaign when Loughgall visit Seaview. The tie could give Crues boss Stephen Baxter an opportunity to rest some first team players, after last weekends 2-1 win over Portadown. The Ports meanwhile, will have to shake that result off as they have a home clash with Donegal Celtic.
Don't forget Crusaders are at home against Loughgall in the League Cup 2nd Round on Tuesday night kick off... https://t.co/8VuPooADoA
— Crusaders FC (@CrusadersFC) 29 August 2016
Nine-time winners Linfield will take on Championship leaders Larne at Windsor park, with David Healey's side knowing that the Inver Park side will be no pushover. Blues striker Andy Waterworth hopes that the Belfast side can improve on their recent cup performances.
Elsewhere Glentoran travel to league minnows Annagh United hoping to put the weekends defeat to Coleraine behind them. The Glens may be taking on non-league opposition, but manager Alan Kernaghan knows they can't take any opposition lightly when it comes to cup football.
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Newry City will face a tricky journey to Ards and Newry City boss Darren Mullan told Q Radio, that his side are relishing the chance to take on some premier league opposition.
Sixteen fixtures in all take place on Tuesday night such as league leaders Glenavon's home tie with Tobermore United, Institute's game with HW Welders and a home tie for Ballymena against Newington YC.
Tuesday August 30 2016 All fixtures 7:30pm unless stated:
Knockbreda vs Lurgan Celtic (6:30pm)
Annagh United vs Glentoran
Ards vs Newry City
Armagh City vs Dergview
Ballinamallard United vs Dundela
Ballyclare Comrades vs Carrick Rangers
Ballymena United vs Newington YC
Cliftonville vs Lisburn Distillery
Coleraine vs Limavady United
Crusaders vs Loughgall
Dungannon Swifts vs S&L Swifts
Glenavon vs Tobermore United
Institute vs HW Welders
Linfield vs Larne
Portadown vs Donegal Celtic
Warrenpoint Town vs Banbridge Town