The quarter-finals stage of this season’s Clearer Water Irish Cup features four intriguing ties, including a tasty derby and a couple of David v Goliath battles.
Bangor and Glentoran will kick-start the last eight games when they meet at Clandeboye Park in Bangor later today.
It’s the first of two David v Goliath battles, although current NIFL Championship leaders Bangor will fancy their chances against the Glens, who are currently second in the NIFL Premiership.
The game, which is being livestreamed by the BBC on the BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport NI website, is due to kick off at 7.45pm.
Declan Devine’s Glentoran team nudged past current top flight leaders Linfield by two goals to one after extra time to book their place in the quarter-finals.
And Lee Feeney’s Bangor side defeated fellow Championship outfit Annagh United 3-0 to maintain their run in this season’s competition.
The Glens have not lifted the Irish Cup since 2020, while Bangor won it for the first and only time in their history in 1993 following a marathon final which saw them eventually edge past near neighbours Ards after three matches.
The remaining three last eight ties in this season’s Clearer Water Irish Cup are being played tomorrow.
The standout tie is arguably the one between cup holders Cliftonville and their north Belfast rivals Crusaders. The two NIFL Premiership teams meet at Seaview at 3pm.
Jim Magilton’s Reds, who will face Glentoran in the NIFL League Cup final next month, are currently sixth in the top flight table and Declan Caddell’s Crues are in fourth position although just four points separate them and the Reds have a game in hand over their local rivals.
There’s another Championship v Premiership tie at Clandeboye Park tomorrow.
John Bailie’s Ards side, who play their home matches in Bangor these days, will be hosting Dean Smith’s Loughgall team. Ards are currently mid-table in the Championship, while Loughgall are bottom of their league.
There’s also an all-Premiership tie at Taylor’s Avenue in Carrickfergus where Carrick Rangers will host Dungannon Swifts.
Stephen Baxter, who enjoyed plenty of cup successes in his time with Crusaders, knows his Carrick team will be underdogs going into the game, however he will no doubt have a trick or two up his sleeve.
The Swifts have been flying this season under Rodney McAree. They come into the game third in the Premiership, just two points behind the Glens.
And Dungannon already have a trophy in the cabinet in 2024-25 after they defeated Loughgall in the Mid-Ulster Cup final last month.
