BBC Sport NI will be streaming the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup second round tie between Linfield and Larne in early February, it was confirmed today.
The game at Inver Park in Larne is a repeat of last year’s Irish Cup final when Linfield triumphed against Tiernan Lynch’s side to secure a league and cup double.
David Healy’s Blues currently top the NIFL Danske Bank Premiership standings, however Larne are in the chasing pack in what is turning out to be an intriguing battle for the title in Northern Ireland’s top flight.
Larne, who scored five without reply away to NIFL Premier Intermediate side Bangor in round one of the Irish Cup at the weekend, will no doubt be keen to avenge last year’s defeat in the final. Linfield won the decider at Mourneview Park 2-1.
And the Blues, who were comfortable 4-0 winners at home against Mid Ulster Intermediate A side Oxford Sunnyside in the first round, will want to maintain recent momentum as they eye up another league and cup double.
The Friday night match between the Inver Reds and Linfield on 4 February will kick off another exciting weekend of action in the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup.
THAT first touch and THAT finish. Ronan Hale, take a bow! 😍 #IrishCup @larnefc pic.twitter.com/WmW3fLtrEB
— Irish FA (@IrishFA) January 9, 2022
The game is scheduled to start at 7.45 and will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport NI website.
It’s not the only all-Premiership clash in the second round of this season’s competition as Carrick Rangers will be hosting Cliftonville and Coleraine are set to face Portadown at home when the remaining seven ties are played on Saturday 5 February.
And there will also be a repeat of the 2019 Irish Cup final when Championship side Ballinamallard United take on Crusaders at Ferney Park.
The other R2 ties are Ballymena United v Portstewart, Dungannon Swifts against Annagh United, Newry City v Dundela and Queen’s University against Glentoran.
