Full BetMcLean Cup round one draw with two all-Premiership ties and four teams receive byes
The draw for the opening round of the BetMcLean Cup has been made with two ties between Premiership clubs acting as the headliners.
One of the premier cup competitions in Irish League football, the BetMcLean Cup took on even greater significance last season with the winners – Linfield – progressing to a European play-off final, where they defeated Dungannon Swifts to seal a continental position.
The potential road to Europe starts once again with Portadown hosting Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts make a trip to Bangor.
Ports boss David Jeffrey has won the League Cup crown on six occasions throughout a glittering managerial career while the Reds tasted glory two years ago when they defeated Glentoran in the final thanks to Joe Gormley’s extra-time strike.
Dungannon have reached consecutive Irish Cup finals and will now be targeting a BetMcLean Cup run after enjoying a sensational start to the new Premiership campaign, winning four matches on the trot.
Reigning champions Linfield, alongside fellow European participants Coleraine, Glentoran and Larne, were all awarded byes.
Elsewhere, Championship leaders Newington welcome Ballymena United to Solitude while Glenavon, who suffered Premiership relegation last season for the first time in over 20 years, make the trip to Strabane Athletic.
Carrick Rangers will host Newry City, Limavady United renew rivalries with Annagh United after last season’s Championship thrilling title race and Crusaders make the trip to Warrenpoint Town.
All-Championship clashes see Armagh City take on H&W Welders, Ballinamallard United face Queen’s University, Dundela welcome Moyola Park, Institute host Loughgall and Ards travel to Rathfriland Rangers.
The ties will be played across October 20/21 with all games played to a finish.
Full BetMcLean Cup round one draw: Annagh United v. Limavady United, Armagh City v. HW Welders, Ballinamallard United v. Queen's University, Bangor v. Dungannon Swifts, Carrick Rangers v. Newry City, Dundela v. Moyola Park, Institute v. Loughgall, Newington v. Ballymena United, Portadown v. Cliftonville, Rathfriland Rangers v. Ards, Strabane Athletic v. Glenavon, Warrenpoint Town v. Crusaders.