Bet McLean Cup semi-finals: Larne v Cliftonville; Glentoran v Crusaders (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
Larne host Cliftonville for the second time in five days hoping for a repeat of Friday night’s result, as the two sides go head-to-head for a place in the BetMcLean League Cup Final.
The east Antrim team ran out comfortable 2-0 winners in last week’s league tie, but Cliftonville will be seeking some revenge after they had a Ryan Curran goal ruled out for a debatable offside call.
The decision came at the end of the first half before Larne had hit the front, and it left a bad taste in the mouth of Reds’ boss Jim Magilton afterwards.
Cliftonville may be going through a lean patch in the league at present, but they are recent winners of the League Cup, having lifted the trophy in 2022, the win coming after a 4-3 extra-time win over Coleraine, and they will be desperate to pick up some more silverware this season.
The last six years have been a continual rise in fortune for Gary Haveron’s Larne outfit, moving from championship football, to lifting the league title in two consecutive seasons, and eventually qualifying for the Europa League group stages, the first Irish League side to do so.
However, the League Cup remains one of the two domestic trophies to elude the Invermen alongside the Irish Cup and they will be desperate to put that right come the showpiece final on March 9.
Form would suggest that a home win is the likely outcome on Tuesday evening, with Larne having remained undefeated in their last five league outings. Contrast this with Magilton’s side who are without a win in five, losing four of those games.
Cliftonville will need top-scorer Joe Gormley hitting the right notes and will also hope for a return to form for Rory Hale, who masterminded last season’s Irish Cup win. Larne will be hoping that Tomas Cosgrove is passed fit for the match after going off early on Friday night with an injury.
Meanwhile, in east Belfast, Glentoran welcome Crusaders to the Oval. These are another two sides with vastly differing form at present.
Declan Devine has the Glens purring currently, sitting pretty in third in the table. They are unbeaten in nine outings across all competitions and will be well rested after their game against Ballymena United on Saturday was postponed due to an unplayable pitch at the Showgrounds.
The Glens had defeat Ballymena in last week’s rearranged League Cup quarter-final to book their place in last four.
Glentoran defender Jonny Russell says they are determined to maintain their unbeaten run but is wary knows getting past Crusaders will not be easy.
“We’re on a great run - nine games unbeaten - and the entire dressing room is buzzing,” Russell said.
“Everyone is working incredibly hard in training to earn a spot in the starting line-up. Declan’s message is clear: focus on the next match, prepare meticulously for every opponent, and never allow our standards to slip.
“Crusaders are a strong side with threats all over the pitch, and we know they’ll be right up for it. But if we bring the same intensity and work rate that have defined our recent performances, stay solid at the back, and take our chances in front of goal, I’m confident we can get the result we need.”
Crusaders on the other hand were hammered 5-1 by Dungannon Swifts at Seaview on Saturday. Manager Declan Caddell has had a testing time since taking over as manager from Stephen Baxter in the summer and will be desperate to qualify for a final that would give the side’s fans some much needed cheer.
Neither of the sides have been prolific in the competition of late, with Crusaders the last to win in 2012, and Glentoran even further back in 2010. However, one of the teams will be sure of a place in the this year’s final come March.
