COLERAINE are at home for a second successive weekend as the Bannsiders square off against Carrick Rangers this afternoon (KO 3pm)…
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Overview:
Coleraine suffered their first defeat of the campaign last weekend as a brace from Jordan Stewart condemned the Bannsiders to a 2-1 loss against Glentoran. The result means Coleraine find themselves fourth in the Premiership standings as today’s encounter brings the end to September.
Carrick Rangers were also in action as they were beaten 2-0 away at Larne in the east Antrim derby. Despite a spirited effort, goals from Matthew Lusty and Dan Bent gave the Inver Reds the bragging rights. Stephen Baxter’s men are seventh in the table and will face Armagh City in the BetMcLean Cup, as well as Glentoran in the County Antrim Shield.
Previous Meetings:
Coleraine and Carrick Rangers met each other on three occasions in the Sports Direct Premiership last season.
- September 14, 2024 (SDP) – Coleraine 3 (Murray ’30 mins, Carse ’50 mins & Campbell ’73 mins); Carrick Rangers 1 (Heatley ’33 mins)
- October 12, 2024 (SDP) – Carrick Rangers 2 (Heatley ’10 mins & Gibson ’37 mins); Coleraine 1 (Glackin ’59 mins)
- February 8, 2025 (SDP) – Carrick Rangers 0 Coleraine 1 (Campbell ’76 mins)
Manager’s Thoughts:
“We’re expecting a real tough test,” Higgins said.
“They’ve had a brilliant start to the season, they’ve had a couple of draws, one or two defeats in recent times, but when you look through their squad, they have experienced people who have won trophies right throughout the squad.
“You only have to look at their centre-back partnership, the quality and experience and the know-how there, and right throughout the pitch really, so I’m not surprised at the start they’ve made.
“But we’re at home in front of our own supporters, our own backyard and we’ll go all out to try and pick up three points.”
Officials:
The match referee will be Ben McMaster.
The assistant referees are Stephen Bell and Kristian Hanna.
Neil Robinson has been selected as the fourth official.
Sponsors:
The match sponsor is Bannside Gas Services.
Sandy Arthur Coach Hire Ltd has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.
The mascots this afternoon are Leo, Lois, Jonah and Joel.
The Man of the Match award will be sponsored by Holley Optometrists.
Admission:
Season tickets are valid for the fixture, although, non-season ticket holders will require matchday tickets for the fixture HERE.
Carrick Rangers fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.
A bucket collection will take place for the Zachary Geddis Trust.
Due to a good crowd 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).
Around the Ground:
The Club Shop will be open from 10pm to 5pm.
Our caterers – Phat Events – will be serving food from around 1.30pm.
The McKendry Suite will be open at 11.30am, with the VIP bar and Viewing Lounge opening its doors at 1.30pm.