Reds to open Irish Cup defence against Banbridge Rangers

Image source, Inpho

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