Tiernan Lynch’s Inver Reds begin their Sports Direct Premiership title defence at Inver Park tonight, facing off against Dungannon Swifts with the game set to kick-off at 7.45pm.
Supporters are advised to read the below information before making the trip to Inver Park tonight.
CHAMPIONS HOMECOMING
Tonight will see the Invermen begin a top-flight season as champions for the first time in the club’s history. Following a summer representing the town on the European stage, the team will return to Inver Park to play a competitive game for the first time since lifting the Gibson Cup in front of a sold-out crowd back in April.
Ahead of the game, the NI Football League will present club officials with a champions flag to mark last season’s success. This is expected to take place on the pitch at around 7pm, prior to the teams coming out to warm-up.
The game, which is being broadcasted worldwide on Sky Sports, will be another chance for fans to show their support following last season’s historic campaign and be assured that as soon as the first whistle goes, it’s back to business as another new season begins.
ACADEMY PARADE
During the summer, the club announced an exciting new partnership with Greenisland FC, one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious academy set-ups. Tonight, this will be celebrated as we showcase our academy in the form of a parade during the half-time interval.
Players from our SBYL squads, Youth Development Phase and Girls’ Academy will join players from Greenisland FC on the pitch to mark a new season beginning at all levels of the club. We look forward to giving our guests from Greenisland FC and our own academy players a warm welcome as they make their way around the pitch.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for tonight’s game remain available online and can be purchased at larnefc.com/tickets.
Home supporters have the option of watching the game from the Landmark Underwriting Main Stand, Terrace, and the ClubSport NI Church End, and are encouraged to purchase tickets at the earliest opportunity to avoid missing out on your preferred area of the stadium.
Match tickets will also be available to purchase at Inver Park ahead of kick-off. You can get yours upon arrival at our Ticket Kiosk from 6.45pm. Admission prices for the new season are £13 for adults, £9 for concessions and £2 for Primary School ages.
STADIUM ENTRY
Supporters who have purchased tickets for the Landmark Underwriting Main Stand and Terrace areas of Inver Park will be able to enter the stadium via the turnstiles in the main car park as normal.
If you have purchased a ticket for the ClubSport NI Church End, you will be able to access your seat via the normal entry point just before the Dream Spanish Homes Agnew Lounge.
Academy players who are taking part in tonight’s half-time parade will be situated in the P&O Ferries and Larne Port McKay Stand. Players and families are asked to enter this stand via the Church Road entrance, which is normally used by away supporters. Food and drink facilities will be available in this section of the stadium.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE AT INVER
1889 Sports & Social Club will be open from 5pm ahead of tonight’s game for supporters wishing to enjoy a few pre-match drinks. Please note that as this is a matchday, you must have a ticket for tonight’s game to use our bar facilities.
Catering vans serving hot food and drinks will be accessible in both the main car park and the P&O Ferries and Larne Port McKay before and during tonight’s game. Our tea and coffee kiosk in the main car park will also be open as normal.
THE INVER REDS
Tiernan Lynch’s squad will feel well prepared to kickstart the 2023/24 league campaign after facing strong opposition in Europe this summer.
New signings Ali Omar, Isaac Westendorf and Aidan Dowling could get their first taste of the NI Football League tonight, while Craig Farquhar, Levi Ives and Corey Smith will be hoping for league debuts as Larne players.
Shaun Want is once again available for selection tonight following a European suspension. Mark Randall, Thomas Maguire and Cian Bolger all remain sidelined with injury, while Leroy Millar faces a race against time to prove his fitness after missing our second leg against FC Ballkani.
The club continues to work on finalising a deal for loanee Jaziel Orozco, who will have to wait a few days longer before being available for selection due to international clearance.
TONIGHT’S OPPOSITION
The Swifts secured their Premiership status with a Relegation Play-Off victory against Annagh United over two legs last season. Since then, the Stangmore Park outfit have appointed Rodney McAree as manager, who replaces Dean Shiels at the helm.
Following the managerial change, McAree has strengthened his squad well ahead of the new season and Dungannon are expected to be a more formidable outfit this term having signed nine new players during pre-season.
Larne player Matty Lusty will spend the season at Stangmore Park, having joined on loan – however will be unavailable against his parent club tonight. Former Inver Red Conor Mitchell has also signed a permanent deal with McAree’s side, while Linfield forward Ethan Devine has also arrived on loan.
