Linfield are back in Clearer Water Irish Cup action on Friday night as they make the trip to the Causeway Coast to face PLAYR-FIT Championship leaders Limavady United in a sixth-round tie at the Coleraine Showgrounds (7.45pm kick-off, all-ticket).

The Blues arrive in confident mood after edging past Bangor 1–0 at Windsor Park in the previous round, while Limavady impressed with a convincing 4–1 home win over Lisburn Rangers to book their place in the last 32. With both sides carrying form into the contest, this has all the makings of a proper Irish Cup night under the lights.

Limavady have been one of the standout sides in the Championship this season and currently sit five points clear at the summit as they push hard for promotion. Manager Paul Owens has built a strong, well-balanced squad blending energy with experience, and there will be familiar faces on the pitch for the Blues supporters. Former Linfield midfielders Philip and Stephen Lowry are key figures in the Limavady engine room and will be eager to make an impact against their old club.

For Linfield, this tie represents another important step in their Irish Cup journey. David Healy is expected to make full use of his squad, with recent additions Darragh Leahy and Adam Frizzell both available as the manager looks to keep competition high and momentum building. With fixtures coming thick and fast, squad depth could prove crucial on a demanding Friday night.

Cup football often brings its own edge, and on a neutral surface at Coleraine Showgrounds there should be little between the sides early on. Limavady will be keen to test themselves against Premiership opposition, while Linfield know they will need to be sharp and disciplined to avoid an upset.

With two teams in good form and plenty at stake, supporters can expect a hard-fought, competitive encounter. The Blues will be determined to impose their quality and experience as they look to book a place in the next round of the Irish Cup, but Limavady have already shown they are more than capable of rising to the occasion.

COYB!

By Ken Garrett.