Nothing 'Clearer-Cut' when it comes to the Irish Cup

NEWRY City will be in fifth round action in the Clearer Water Irish Cup this weekend when they travel to take on Premier League side Carrick Rangers.

Joining them in the last 32 of the fourth oldest national cup competition in the world, will be Intermediate league side Rathfriland Rangers who have also been drawn way to Premier League opposition in the shape of high flying Dungannon Swifts.

Newry boss Darren Mullen will be hoping that the trip to Taylors Avenue will be perfect respite for his players who currently languish one place from the bottom of the Championship.

Boxing Day defeat to Ballinamallard brought the curtain down on what can be best described as a traumatic year for the border club.

Following relegation from the Premiership, City have found life in the Championship just as difficult as the top tier.

With just four wins from 22 games, City travel to Taylors Avenue this weekend to take on a side also short of confidence with only five wins to show for their efforts this season in the league.

The Irish Cup has the habit of throwing the form book out the window and City just might make it through to the last 16.

To reach this stage of the competition has been quite a journey for Rathfriland Rangers who began their Cup journey back in early August with a 2-1 victory over Strabane Athletic.

A 6-0 hammering of Windmill Stars was followed by a 2-0 win over Dunloy in Round three.

Rosario YC provided the opposition in round 4 but Rangers were equal to the task coming through on a scoreline of 4-2.

The fifth round is the stage where NIFL Premiership and Championship sides are joined by teams from the intermediate ranks who have already battled their way through four rounds of the competition.

Rangers trip to Stangmore Park will see them come up against a side which has been the surprise packet of the Premiership this season.

Rodney Mc Aree’s team has taken some notable scalps this season including defending League Champions Larne.

The cup ties have 3.00pm kick off.

The revised Clearer Water Irish Cup fifth round draw is as follows:

Friday 3 January (7.45pm)

Harland and Wolff Welders v Glentoran

Saturday 4 January (1.30pm)

Knockbreda v Crusaders

Belfast Celtic v Moyola Park

Saturday 4 January (3pm)

Annagh United v Portadown

Bangor v Newington

Carrick Rangers v Newry City

Linfield v Wellington Rec

Dollingstown v Ballyclare Comrades

Coleraine v Armagh City

Limavady United v Larne

Dungannon Swifts v Rathfriland Rangers

Institute v Loughgall

Ballymacash Rangers v Ballinamallard United

Ballymena United v Ards

Cliftonville v Banbridge Rangers

Glenavon v Dundela