Bet McLean Cup games take place in midweek

The four clubs involved in European competition this season - Larne, holders Linfield, losing finalists Glentoran and Coleraine - were awarded a bye and will therefore enter the tournament at a later stage.

The 24 remaining clubs from both the BOYLE Sports Premiership and BOYLE Sports Championship learned their opponents as drawn by Paul McLean from sponsors BetMcLean and Irish League legend Jim Cleary, representing NIFL charity partners Players Against Dementia.

The draw produced two all-Premiership ties, with the clash between Portadown and Cliftonville at Shamrock Park immediately catching the eye.

Ports boss David Jeffrey brings his own rich pedigree to the competition, having tasted success on six occasions as manager, while the Reds are the third most successful club in tournament history having lifted the trophy seven times, most recently just two seasons ago.

The other top flight game sees Bangor welcome Dungannon Swifts to Clandeboye Park, just a matter of days after they meet in the league at the same venue!

Another game to keep an eye on is the meeting of early Championship leaders Newington and Oran Kearney's new look Ballymena United at Solitude.

Elsewhere, last season's captivating Championship title race will be revisited at the BMG Arena as Annagh United play host to Limavady United while Stuart King will be back at his old stomping ground as he takes his Newry City side to face former club Carrick Rangers.

The full draw reads:

• Annagh United v. Limavady United
• Armagh City v. HW Welders
• Ballinamallard United v. Queen's University
• Bangor v. Dungannon Swifts
• Carrick Rangers v. Newry City
• Dundela v. Moyola Park
• Institute v. Loughgall
• Newington v. Ballymena United
• Portadown v. Cliftonville
• Rathfriland Rangers v. Ards
• Strabane Athletic v. Glenavon
• Warrenpoint Town v. Crusaders

Ties will be played on Tuesday October 20 and Wednesday October 21, with all games played to a finish.