Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Darren Fullerton

Irish Cup: Date and streaming info confirmed for Cliftonville and Crusaders semi-final

The Irish FA has confirmed that the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup semi-final between Cliftonville and Crusaders will be played at Windsor Park on Friday, April 1.

The last-four fixture between the North Belfast derby rivals, which will have a 7.45pm evening kick-off, will also be streamed live by BBC Sport NI online and on the iPlayer.

Cliftonville are currently chasing down an historic treble after lifting the BetMcLean League Cup with a 4-3 win over Coleraine at the weekend.

Read More: Cliftonville cup final star Joe Gormley touched to receive hero's welcome at Holy Cross Boys

Paddy McLaughlin’s men are also in the midst of a title challenge with Linfield and Glentoran at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership.

The Reds, who beat Coleraine 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup, are looking to end a long running hoodoo in the blue riband competition.

The last time the Solitude club lifted the trophy was in 1979 when they beat Portadown 3-2 at Windsor Park.

Crusaders last won the Irish Cup in 2019 when they defeated Ballinamallard United 3-0 in the final, while they also defeated Cliftonville 1-0 in the 2009 showpiece.

The Irish FA said arrangements for the other Irish Cup semi-final - expected to be between Ballymena United and Newry City - will be “announced in due course”.

Championship club Newry were reinstated in the competition last week after Glentoran were thrown out over an eligibility issue relating to midfielder Joe Crowe.

However, it is expected the Glens, who beat Newry 1-0 in the quarter-finals with Crowe featuring in the tie, will appeal that ruling.

Read More: NIFL CEO Gerard Lawlor backing plan to play all future League Cup finals on a Sunday

Read more: NI boss Ian Baraclough probed on Glentoran star's absence from squad

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.