COLERAINE welcome derby rivals Ballymena United to The Showgrounds this evening as our Premiership schedules continues (KO 7.45pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine made it five games unbeaten in the Premiership after playing out a 1-1 draw away at Carrick Rangers last weekend. Despite taking the lead through Will Patching, Coleraine were pegged back when Mikey Place blasted home for the hosts. The result ensured the Bannsiders remained second in the table ahead of this weekend’s action.

Ballymena United were involved in midweek action as they sealed a 2-0 victory at home to Crusaders. A brace from Igor Rutkowksi earned the Sky Blues all three points, with Oran Kearney’s men sitting 10th in the standings. The January transfer window proved a busy one at Warden Street as Dean Ebbe, Shane McEleney, Sean Murray, Igor Rutkowski, Fuad Sule and Bradley Wade all signed on the dotted line.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Ballymena United have met each other on two occasions in the Sports Direct Premiership this term.

  • October 11, 2025 (SDP) – Ballymena United 1 (Kennedy ’58 mins); Coleraine 3 (Patching ‘2 mins, Shevlin ’42 mins & ’49 mins)
  • December 26, 2025 (SDP) – Ballymena United 2 (O’Connor ’12 mins & ’67 mins); Coleraine 0

Manager’s Thoughts:

“Our two previous visits to the Ballymena Showgrounds were very contrasting,” Higgins said.

“Obviously, there was an excellent performance earlier on in the season, the second one on Boxing Day we were extremely disappointed.

“We didn’t represent ourselves in the way that we should but that’s long gone.

“We’re really, really excited about this game.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Ben McMaster.

The assistant referees are Stephen Bell and John Doherty.

Shane McGonigle has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is JW Service Centre.

Causeway Coach Hire, Coleraine FC Women, Alan McMillan and Archie Drake & Andrew McMillan have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this evening are Jacob, Teddy and Luca.

The Man of the Match award will be sponsored by Holley Optometrists.

Admission:

Season tickets are valid for the fixture, although, match tickets can be bought HERE.

Ballymena United fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.

A bucket collection will be held with all proceeds going towards our charity partner the Zachary Geddis Break The Silence Trust.

The game will be streamed live on NIFL TV HERE.

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

Around the Ground:

The Club Shop will be open from 12 noon to 9pm.

Our caterers – Phat Events – will be serving food from around 6.30pm.

The McKendry Suite will be open from 6pm, with the VIP bar and Viewing Lounge open from 6.30pm.