Northern Ireland football is back and the Sports Direct Premiership season starts with Glentoran and Crusaders having the honour of kicking it all off on Friday night at The Oval (7.45pm) It's a new era at Seaview with manager Declan Caddell taking charge of his first Premiership game since taking over the reigns from Stephen Baxter while Glentoran will want to send a message out after a poor season just past.
Both sides have had new faces in and old faces out and with pre season behind them and Crusaders two European games in addition everyone will be ready to give it everything in what will be a high energy 90 minutes.
The sides met five times last season in all competitions
26/08/23 Glentoran 2 Crusaders 2
05/09/23 Crusaders 0 Glentoran 0 (Glentoran win on pens) Co.Antrim Shield
28/10/23 Crusaders 1 Glentoran 1
27/01/24 Crusaders 1 Glentoran 2
27/04/24 Glentoran 4 Crusaders 0
Tickets can be bought at https://www.glentoran.com/match-tickets-away-fans
The Railway Stand is closed so it is standing only but if seating is required supporters will be accommodated in the Lower Main Stand. Entry is by the main entrance at Parkgate Drive.
Officials
Referee Ian McNabb
Asst Referees Stephen Donaldson & Brian Wilson
4th Official Evan Boyce