Full list of Irish Cup fifth round kick-off times revealed as all-Premiership tie selected for broadcast
The Irish FA have confirmed dates and kick-off times for all of next month’s Irish Cup fifth round ties – with an all-Premiership encounter between Coleraine and Crusaders selected for live broadcast.
One of the most anticipated days on the local football calendar as Premiership and Championship teams join eight other clubs who have battled through four rounds to book their spot, the draw was held at Windsor Park on Tuesday afternoon.
It threw up a number of intriguing matches, including three where top-flight teams will meet each other – Coleraine vs Crusaders, Ballymena United vs Larne and Linfield vs Bangor.
Elsewhere, Glentoran were drawn away to third-tier Strabane Athletic, defending champions Dungannon Swifts begin with a home clash against last season’s semi-finalists Ards and Championship leaders Annagh United once again take on neighbours Portadown.
It has been confirmed that Coleraine vs Crusaders at The Showgrounds will be the broadcasted match – it’ll take place on Friday, January 9 (7:45pm kick-off) and be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer.
The remaining 15 ties will all be played across Saturday, January 10 with four fixtures scheduled to begin at 1:30pm and 11 at 3pm.
Ahead of his side’s trip to Co Londonderry, Crues manager Declan Caddell told BBC Sport NI: "We'll go there full of confidence.
"It's a tough draw and Coleraine are flying high, and we'll have to be at our very best. For me, the Irish Cup is a welcome distraction from the league. We'll go in all guns blazing and at the end of it you're either in it or you are out.
"Every team wants to get to the final, it's a huge day for the club and the fans. This season if we want to get there it looks like we'll have to do it the hard way."
Full list of dates and times for Irish Cup fifth round ties
Friday, January 9 (7:45pm kick-off): Coleraine v Crusaders.
Saturday, January 10 (1:30pm kick-off): Comber Rec v Ballymacash Rangers, Knockbreda v Loughgall, Lisburn Distillery v Warrenpoint Town, Strabane Athletic v Glentoran.
Saturday, January 10 (3pm kick-off): Armagh City v Drumaness Mills, Ballinamallard United v Institute, Ballymena United v Larne, Carrick Rangers v Queen’s University, Cliftonville v Dundela, Dungannon Swifts v Ards, Glenavon v Newington, Limavady United v Lisburn Rangers, Linfield v Bangor, Moyola Park v Harland and Wolff Welders, Portadown v Annagh United.