DERBY rivals Coleraine and Ballymena United meet for the first time this season as The Showgrounds plays host tomorrow night (KO 7.45pm)…

BOYLE SPORTS PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine made it three successive victories in the Premiership last weekend after a 4-1 home win against Crusaders. A blistering start helped the Bannsiders take a stranglehold of the game as Senan Devine, Jay Henderson and Matthew Shevlin all netted within the first eight minutes, with Devine adding his second after the break. The result means Coleraine remained top-of-the-table heading into this weekend’s fixtures.

Ballymena United played out a 2-2 draw at Bangor last time out. The Sky Blues led 2-0 at Clandeboye Park through efforts from Josh Archer and Matthew Clarke but Bangor staged a second half rally to leave with a share of the spoils. Oran Kearney’s men currently find themselves ninth in the Premiership table after playing four games. The Braidmen have also progressed into the quarter-final of the County Antrim Shield, where they will travel to Crusaders.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Ballymena United met each other three times in all competitions last season.

  • October 11, 2025 (BSP) – Ballymena United 1 (Kennedy ’58 mins); Coleraine 3 (Patching ‘2 mins, Shevlin ’42 mins & ’49 mins)
  • December 26, 2025 (BSP) – Ballymena United 2 (O’Connor ’12 mins & ’67 mins); Coleraine 0
  • February 20, 2026 (BSP) – Coleraine 1 (Patching ’29 mins); Ballymena United 0

Manager’s Thoughts:

“I understand for supporters that the derby is huge and rightly so,” Higgins said.

“We don’t dismiss that at all as it’s really important to us that we make our supporters happy.

“But in terms of preparation, we will prepare for this the exact same way as we prepare for every game.

“It’s another three points on offer that we want to take.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Tim Marshall.

The assistant referees are Adam Jeffrey and George Argyropoulos.

Shane McGonigle has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Eakin Bros.

Troy Liken has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots tomorrow evening are Richard and Katie.

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.

The match will be streamed live on the BBC Sport NI website and via the Red Button.

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-9pm.

Our caterers – Phat Events – will be serving food from around 6pm.

A bucket collection is being held with all proceeds going towards Nemesis Cheer and Dance.

Our brand new fanzone opens once again from 6p,, with catering and alcohol on sale, including music from DJ Johnny ahead of kick-off HERE.

The McKendry Suite will be open from 5.30pm, with the VIP bar and Viewing Lounge open from 6pm.