28 January 2005

Belfast ‘Big Two’ drawn together in cross-border cup

Belfast’s ‘Big Two’ have been drawn together in the new cross-border Setanta Cup.

Both Linfield and Glentoran have been drawn in the same group as FAI Cup winners Longford for the new tournament which begins in March.

In the other group Portadown face Eircom League winners Shelbourne and Cork with all games being played on a home and away basis.

The group winners qualify for the final with the inaugural Setanta Cup champions picking up 150,000 euros and 80,000 euros going to the runners-up. The remaining four teams will each earn 30,000 euros for taking part.

Group One fixtures

Tues 15 March:Glentoran v Linfield

Mon 4 April:Longford v Linfield

Tues 19 April:Linfield v Glentoran

Mon 25 April: Longford v Glentoran

Tues 10 May: Linfield v Longford

Mon 16 May: Glentoran v Linfield

Group Two fixtures

Tues 22 March: Shelbourne v Portadown

Tues 29 March: Cork City v Shelbourne

Mon 11 April: Portadown v Cork City

Mon 25 April: Portadown v Shelbourne

Mon 2 May: Shelbourne v Cork City

Mon 16 May: Cork City v Portadown

Setanta Sports, a new Irish dedicated pay-per-view sports channel, recently signed a four-year deal to host the tournament, which will see 10 of the 13 games broadcast live on local television screens.

The new tournament will begin in April but will then switch to a November calendar.

(MB)