30/07/2003

Battle of the Blues set for Belfast

Scottish football giants, Glasgow Rangers were in Belfast today ahead of tonight's friendly against local side Linfield.

The match, which takes place at Windsor Park, will see the treble winning side parade all three major trophies - League, Scottish Cup and League Cup - they won during last year's domestic season.

The game is likely to be played in front of 15,000 fans given Rangers' huge Northern Ireland fan base and Linfield being one of he best supported clubs in the province.

It is the second year in a row Rangers have travelled to the province to face the Belfast Blues', however this year's game will have extra ingredients given that Gers boss Alex McLeish has brought his full first team squad whereas last year his side featured a number of fringe players.

Both sides are using tonight's game as ideal preparation for the upcoming 2003/04 season which begin's next month.

McLeish's men kick-off the competitive season at home to Kilmarnock on August 9 while Linfield open their campaign a week later against Larne at Windsor Park.

Tonight's match kick's off at 7.30pm with highlight's being shown on BBC1 Northern Ireland at 11.35pm.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 October 2014
NI Prostate Cancer Services Lacking - Charity
There are not enough services to support men with prostate cancer in Northern Ireland, with many having to deal with life-changing side effects of treatment alone, according to a UK charity. Prostate Cancer UK is today launching its Quality Checklist in Northern Ireland, which details what men with prostate cancer should expect.
23 April 2014
Defibrillator Stolen From Parked Ambulance
A privately-operated ambulance has been broken into and a defibrillator stolen when it was parked at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry. It is believed that the drivers side window was smashed on Monday. The damage and theft, which included a sat nav and two mobile phones, was not noticed until Tuesday.
01 October 2007
Man Attacked With Iron Bars
A gang armed with iron bars has attacked a man in the Moss Side area of Coleraine. The man in his 60's was attacked after he answered a knock at the door at 8.50pm on Saturday evening. Beaten about the body and legs, he was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries. A motive for the attack has not been established.
08 October 2004
Mother and two sons attacked at home
A mother and her two sons have been attacked at their house in Co Antrim on Thursday. Two masked men attacked the 46-year-old woman and her sons outside their Moss Side Gardens home, near Ballymoney, at about 11pm.
03 April 2008
Mayor Welcomes Shared Stadium
As controversy continues to plague the proposed development of as multi-sports centre at the former Maze Prison site, ambitious plans are being kicked off for a sporting ground in Newtownabbey.