COLERAINE visit Clandeboye Park in league duty for the first time since 2008 as the Bannsiders face Bangor this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

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Overview:

The Bannsiders returned to winning ways last weekend as they came from behind to beat Carrick Rangers at The Showgrounds. Ruaidhri Higgins’ men found themselves 1-0 down through Ryan Waide’s opener but efforts from Zane Okoro and Joel Cooper banked all three points. The victory means Coleraine find themselves 3rd in the table ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures.

Bangor have made a steady start to life back in the top-flight as they have won three and lost five out of their eight games so far. Lee Feeney’s men were beaten by Linfield last time out but have taken the scalps of Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts on home soil already this season. Bangor will be at home to Lisburn Distillery in the second round of the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine have faced Bangor in cup competitions since the Seasiders were last in the top-flight back in 2007-08.

  • September 14, 2021 (BetMcLean Cup) – Bangor 0 Coleraine 5 (Friel ’16 mins, ’31 mins & ’74 mins, McKendry ’18 mins & Tweed ’24 mins)
  • October 3, 2023 (Irish Cup) – Coleraine 2 (Shevlin ’89 mins & Lynch ’98 mins); Bangor 1 (Arthurs’ 90+5 mins)

Manager’s Thoughts:

“Listen, particularly at home, Bangor going to be a real match for anybody,” Higgins stated.

“If you watched the game last week against Linfield, there weren’t loads in it, bar the goals.

“I think they showed real courage and bravery in how they tried to pass the ball out from the back. They stuck to their principles about how they want to play and I admire them for that.

“They’ll try and play, we’ll try and play. Hopefully we come out on the right end of the result.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Christopher Morrison.

The assistant referees are Gavin Hegarty and Shane Geary.

Mark Dillon 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).