Linfield travel to Co. Tyrone for BetMcLean Cup semi-final action at Dungannon Swifts (7.45pm k.o.). In the previous round Linfield and Dungannon defeated Larne (a, 3-2 pens) and Newry City (h, 4-2) respectively, and the winner of this tie will meet either Glenavon or Portadown in the final at Windsor Park in March. 

The Stangmore Park side will have been buoyed byan away day 4-2 win at Ballymena United, lifting them 6 points above the relegation zone. Rodney McAree will however be without the services of on-loan Linfield striker Ethan Devine who is unable to face his parent club. 

On Saturday Linfield restored their lead at the top of the Sports Direct Premiership table to 4 points with a hard-fought single goal win at Loughgall. On a difficult surface, The Blues dug in and managed the game well against a determined home side. Kirk Millar, revelling in a free role, scored the winner with a sweetly struck volley and there were many positives to be taken from the game, not least of which was the introduction from the bench of Ethan McGee for his Linfield debut.

The Blues can expect a tough game at Stangmore Park against a Dungannon side who have built up some momentum over recent weeks. The Swifts will certainly be up for what is arguably their biggest game of the season to date. 

With a large travelling Linfield support in attendance, there is sure to be a great atmosphere under the lights of Stangmore Park.

COYB! 

Ken Garrett.