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Cliftonville hosts Crusaders in Irish Premiership opening match

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 9:03 AM

Last updated Aug 7, 2026

Cliftonville hosts Crusaders in Irish Premiership opening match

Summary

Cliftonville faces Crusaders in the opening match of the Irish Premiership season on Friday night at Solitude. This north Belfast derby follows disappointing seasons for both teams, with Cliftonville aiming to build on last year's performances where they won two of three derbies against Crusaders. Former Crusaders captain Colin Coates highlights the significance of this match, emphasizing its importance for both teams as they seek to start the season positively. The match will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport NI website.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Cliftonville and Crusaders face off in a local derby to start the season.
•Crusaders secured their league status through a play-off last season.
•Cliftonville finished fifth last year but lacked consistency.
•The match is significant for both teams to achieve a positive start.
•Colin Coates emphasizes the derby's added excitement at the season's beginning.

Latest Updates

9:03 AMYahoo Sports — North Belfast derby an 'unbelievable' opener - Coates

What they're saying

"
Crusasders make the short journey to Cliftonville to start the Irish Premiership season on Friday night in a game streamed live on the BBC iPlayer and website.
— Yahoo Sports

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