Co Antrim Shield: Larne aiming for three in a row

Competition begins tonight, along with Mid-Ulster Cup

Larne celebrate beating Linfield in the final of last season's County Antrim Shield.
Author: Gareth McCulloughPublished 6th Sep 2022

Larne begin their quest for their third County Antrim Shield title in succession tonight when they take on Championship side Knockbreda at home.

Tiernan Lynch's side were Shield winners in both 2020 and 2021, beating Glentoran and Linfield in the decider respectively.

The biggest tie of the opening round sees Crusaders host Premiership champions Linfield at Seaview in the only all top-flight fixture.

Elsewhere, Glentoran meet Premier Intermediate League side Lisburn Distillery at The Oval, while another PIL team, Bangor play Cliftonville. Championship sides Harland & Wolff Welders and Newington are at home to Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United respectively.

Tonight, also sees the opening round of the Mid-Ulster Cup take place, with Premiership clubs Glenavon, Newry City AFC, Dungannon Swifts and Portadown all in action.

Holders Warrenpoint Town, relegated to the Championship last season, host Mid-Ulster Intermediate A side Banbridge Rangers, while Newry City take on the PIL's Dollingstown at The Showgrounds.

Portadown face near neighbours Seagoe at Shamrock Park, with Glenavon up against last season's Intermediate Cup winners Rathfriland Rangers at Mourneview Park. Dungannon play Banbridge Town at home.

FIXTURES

County Antrim Shield - Round 1 (7.45pm)

Glentoran v Lisburn Distillery

Larne v Knockbreda

Dundela v Ballyclare Comrades

Ards v Queens University

Crusaders v Linfield

Newington v Ballymena United

Bangor v Cliftonville

H&W Welders v Carrick Rangers

Mid-Ulster Cup Round 1 (7.45pm)

Newry City AFC v Dollingstown

Armagh City v Bourneview Mill

Annagh United v Windmill Stars

Dungannon Swifts v Windmill Stars

Portadown v Seagoe

Warrenpoint Town v Banbridge Rangers

Glenavon v Rathfriland Rangers

Loughgall v Oxford Sunnyside