COLERAINE commence their bid for Irish Cup glory as Armagh City visit The Showgrounds this afternoon (KO 3pm)…
CLEARER WATER IRISH CUP FIFTH ROUND
Overview:
Coleraine ended 2024 on a winning note after a 3-1 success away at Loughgall on Monday night. After trailing to Conor McCloskey’s first-half free-kick, the Bannsiders responded to take all three points as Matthew Shevlin, Jamie Glackin and Rhyss Campbell all found the back of the net. The result means Coleraine remained 8th in the table ahead of this weekend’s Irish Cup commitments.
Armagh City were in Championship action on Monday as they drew 1-1 away at Newry City, with Stefan Lavery getting on the scoresheet for the visitors. Shea Campbell’s side have made a bright start to the season after earning promotion as they currently sit 6th in the Championship standings. City have taken top-flight scalps this season after knocking out Loughgall and Glenavon in the BetMcLean Cup.
Previous Meetings:
The two teams have regularly met in pre-season action, including during last summer as a solitary goal from Matthew Shevlin proved to be the difference at The Showgrounds.
The last competitive meetings were in the 2007-08 season when teams played each other twice (one home and one away). In December 2007, Coleraine ended up 1-0 victors as a single goal by Darren Boyce gave the Bannsiders all three points, whilst efforts from Stephen Carson and Damien Whitehead sealed a 2-0 success in April 2008.
Head coach’s Thoughts:
“I definitely don’t want to lose to Shea,” Shiels stressed.
“There’s a possibility that we will because they’ve put out two Premiership opposition this season.
“Shea has done an absolutely incredible job by getting Armagh promoted and now they’re looking to get promoted again.
“It’ll be extremely difficult and we’ve already informed the players of that.
“At home we want to get the fans behind us and we know the Irish Cup is a huge trophy for the club.
“We won’t be taking Armagh for granted at all.”
Officials:
The match referee will be Steven Gregg.
The assistant referees are Bogdan Sfirloaga and Gary Ewing.
Gary Thompson has been appointed as the fourth official.
Sponsors:
The match sponsor is Eakin Bros.
Aspire Media N.I. CIC and the Pals Club have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.
The mascots this afternoon are Noah, Oliver, Fionn and Ethan.
The Man of the Match award will be sponsored by Holley Optometrists.
Admission:
Season tickets are not valid for the fixture, meaning matchday tickets are required for entry HERE.
Armagh City fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.
Due to a good expected at The Showgrounds, we encourage both sets of supporters to arrive at the ground in good time HERE.
As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).