Swifts set to take on Cliftonville

It’s not every day a junior club gets to host the Irish League champions in their own back yard, but that’s exactly what’s about to happen to Ballymena Saturday Morning League Division 1 side, Carnlough Swifts.
By John Gillespie
Published 1st Jul 2013, 16:21 BST
Larne man Marc Smyth played a crucial role in Cliftonville's success last season.Larne man Marc Smyth played a crucial role in Cliftonville's success last season.
Larne man Marc Smyth played a crucial role in Cliftonville's success last season.

For the past year the Carnlough Reds Cliftonville Supporters’ Club has been in negotiations to bring Cliftonville to the coastal village to play a friendly match and the Times understands the game is set to get the go-ahead on Saturday, July 20.

It is hoped the Reds will bring the Gibson Cup and League Cup trophies to the village for the match.

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Supporters’ Club chairman, Charlie McQuitty said: “This is fantastic news for Cliftonville fans from east Antrim and those who may be staying in Carnlough over the holiday period.”

The fixture comes between Cliftonville’s home and away legs in the Champions League qualifying round against Scottish giants, Celtic.

Last year Tommy Breslin’s men narrowly missed out on an historic treble, when they lost the Irish Cup final to Glentoran. Their talented reserve side, Cliftonville Olympic won the prestigious George Wilson Cup.

Carnlough Swifts, who secured their own double last season by winning the George McAuley Cup and Ballymena Saturday Morning League Division 2 title, will be hoping to prove that their success was no fluke, by providing the Reds with stern opposition.

Related topics:CliftonvilleSwiftsBallymenaDivision 1