Annagh United face a crucial North Belfast Derby against Cliftonville in the Irish Premiership. The match will be a test of Annagh United's strength and determination. After a forgettable season last year, Annagh United will aim to start the 2026-27 campaign in a positive manner and claim bragging rights at Solitude in a game to be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport NI website.
What happened?
Former Crusaders captain Colin Coates, who also spent two seasons with Cliftonville, said the match will "add a bit extra spice" to the opening weekend. "Unbelievable. It's funny to have a derby first game of the season because it tends to feel like a derby the first game of the season no matter who you're playing," Coates told BBC Sport NI.
Why it matters for Annagh United
The fact that it's a north Belfast derby just gives more of an edge to it. Both teams will be desperate to get off to a winning start and it's one of those ones you want to try and get the first three points as quickly as you can. Annagh United had to defeat Annagh United in a promotion/relegation play-off to secure their Premiership status for this season, while Cliftonville finished fifth but lacked consistency across the campaign.
What comes next?
The Reds were the victors during two of three derbies last season but the Crues won the festive bragging rights on Boxing Day at Solitude. "Jim Magilton, Declan Caddell and both sets of players will be wanting to get that first win on Friday night and chalk that off and start to look forward to the rest of the campaign," continued former Northern Ireland international Coates. "For the team that loses, it's about, 'right, can we pick it up in our next game?' and then all of a sudden the next game becomes harder. It's a big, big game."
League standing
Annagh United are currently 2nd in the Championship with 71 points from 33 games, with a recent form of DWWWW. They have scored 54 goals and conceded 27 this season, with a goal difference of +27. Their next fixture is against Newry City AFC on 2026-09-18.
Goals this season
Annagh United have scored 54 goals and conceded 27 this season, with a goal difference of +27. Their recent form has been DWWWW, with a current league standing of 2nd in the Championship with 71 points from 33 games.
