Reds to open Irish Cup defence against Banbridge Rangers
- Published
Cliftonville will begin their Irish Cup defence with a fifth-round tie against Mid Ulster Intermediate A side Banbridge Rangers at Solitude in January.
The Reds beat Linfield in last season's final to lift the trophy for the first time since 1979, while Rangers are set to appear in the fifth round for the first time. having beaten Queen's University in the previous round.
While there are no all-Premiership encounters, the draw produced two derbies with Annagh United hosting Mid Ulster neighbours Portadown and H&W Welders entertaining east Belfast rivals Glentoran.
New Larne manager Nathan Rooney will take his side to Limavady United with Linfield hosting Wellington Rec and Coleraine at home to Armagh City.
Ards, who stunned Crusaders in last year's fifth round, will travel to Ballymena United while the Crues will face the winners of the fourth-round match between Knockbreda and Banbridge Town.
Stephen Baxter, who won four Irish Cups as Crues boss, will manage Carrick for the first time in the competition at home to Newry City.
High-flying Championship leaders Bangor host Newington, Institute take on Loughgall while Belfast Celtic host Moyola Park and Glenavon are at home to Dundela.
Islandmagee or Ballymacash Rangers - who face each other in the fourth round this weekend - will host Ballinamallard United.
The ties are scheduled to be played on the weekend of 3-4 January.
Irish Cup fifth round draw
Annagh Utd v Portadown
Bangor v Newington
Carrick Rangers v Newry City
Linfield v Wellington Rec
Dollingstown v Ballyclare Comrades
Coleraine v Armagh City
Limavady Utd v Larne
Dungannon Swifts v Rathfriland Rangers
Knockbreda/Banbridge Town v Crusaders
Institute v Loughgall
Islandmagee/Ballymacash v Ballinamallard
Ballymena Utd v Ards
Cliftonville v Banbridge Rangers
Belfast Celtic v Moyola Park
Glenavon v Dundela
H&W Welders v Glentoran