COLERAINE and Ballymena United meet in the first derby contest of the season at Warden Street this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine reached the second-round of the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night following an 8-0 win at Dollingstown as Alex Watson (2), Jamie Glackin, Ronan Doherty, Declan McManus (2), Kodi Lyons-Foster and Tiernan Brolly got on the scoresheet. Ruaidhri Higgins’ men will be looking for a return to winning ways in the Premiership after losing out at Bangor last time out.

Ballymena United were also victorious in the BetMcLean Cup as Ryan McNickle’s goal edged out Ballinamallard United on home soil. The Sky Blues are currently fifth in the Premiership table and recovered from a one-goal deficit to beat Carrick Rangers last time out through goals from Kym Nelson and McNickle. Jim Ervin’s men will face Newington on Tuesday night in the County Antrim Shield.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Ballymena United met each other on three occasions in the Sports Direct Premiership last season.

  • August 16, 2024 (SDP) – Coleraine 4 (Scott ’14 mins, Glackin ’53 mins, Campbell ’70 mins & Shevlin ’90+6 mins); Ballymena United 2 (McMurray ’40 mins & Kennedy ’58 mins)
  • October 19, 2024 (SDP) – Ballymena United 0 Coleraine 1 (Campbell ’64 mins)
  • December 26, 2024 (SDP) – Coleraine 2 (Stewart ’56 mins & Shevlin ’59 mins); Ballymena United 2 (Devine ’31 mins & ’45+3 mins)

Manager’s Thoughts:

“They have quite a few lads who are ex-League of Ireland players,” Higgins said.

“They have a really, really good squad and have gone under the radar in terms of the players that they’ve brought in.

“They have a deep squad and they’ve obviously invested in their squad.

“We know we’re going to come up against good players but we will be ready and hopefully we can do our supporters proud because we know it means an awful lot to them.

“It means an awful lot to us as well but we have to focus on the game and try to pick up three points.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Jamie Robinson.

The assistant referees are Andrew Nethery and Adam Jeffrey.

Evan Boyce has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters can purchase tickets for the fixture which can be bought HERE.

We would urge supporters to arrive at the ground in good time and respect residents and businesses in terms of parking your vehicle.

As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).