Bet McLean Cup: Last four to be decided tonight

The last four of the Bet McLean Cup will be decided this evening, with Cliftonville still on course to retain the trophy they picked up in front of a record crowd at Windsor Park last season.

Paddy McLaughlin's holders take on fellow Premiership side Newry City at Solitude. They'll aim to set up a semi-final meeting with the winners of Coleraine v Dungannon Swifts, who meet at Ballycastle Road.

The other half of the draw could result in a semi-final clash between the Belfast big two of Linfield and Glentoran.

The unbeaten Glens, who have only conceded one goal in the league all season as they top the table, are away to Championship leaders Loughgall. It's also Championship opposition for David Healy's Linfield, who host Annagh United.

Healy led his side back to winning ways at the weekend, wot goals from Robbie McDaid and Joel Cooper steering them to a 2-0 win away to Newry, who had substitute Ciaran O'Connor sent off late on.

They'll be expected to continue that form this evening, though Annagh did knockout Larne at the BMG Arena in the previous round. Despite their superb form to date in this campaign, the Glens won't have it easy at Lakeview Park against a Loughgall side who have designs on booking their place in the top flight come the end of the season.

As for Newry, they have a number of injury concerns going into tonight's clash in North Belfast.

With O'Connor already absent through suspension and Donal Rocks - on-loan from the Reds, unable to play against his parent club, Darren Mullen saw centre-back Andrew Martin go off injured early on against Linfield.

Northern Ireland Under-21 international John McGovern is still recovering from a torn groin, while Thomas Lockhart and Stephen Moan were also absent at the weekend.

Cliftonville won the league fixture at the same venue 4-0 in early October, with all the goals scored in the first half and will be aiming for a repeat of that this evening.

Meanwhile, last season's beaten finalists Coleraine overhauled their squad in the Summer and will go into their tie at home to strugglers Dungannon as overwhelming favourites.

Dean Shiels' Swifts have picked up just four points from their 12 Premiership matches to date, but the County Tyrone outfit were winners of the competition back in 2018.

FIXTURES

Bet McLean Cup Quarter-Finals

Tuesday November 1st (7.45pm)

Cliftonville (Holders) v Newry City AFC

Coleraine v Dungannon Swifts

Linfield v Annagh United

Loughgall v Glentoran

Semi-Final Draw

Cliftonville or Newry City AFC v Coleraine or Dungannon Swifts

Loughgall or Glentoran v Linfield or Annagh United

Ties to be played on Tuesday December 6th and Wednesday December 7th