COLERAINE and Carrick Rangers meet for the second time this season as the Bannsiders play host this afternoon (KO 3pm)…
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Overview:
Coleraine secured their berth in the semi-final of the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday as goals from Alex Watson and Will Patching sealed a 2-0 victory against Moyola Park. It now means Ruaidhri Higgins’ men meet Glentoran in the last four early next year. The Bannsiders’ last Premiership involvement was a 2-0 win at Crusaders as Jamie Glackin and Jamie McGonigle got on the scoresheet against their former clubs in north Belfast.
Carrick Rangers were not in BetMcLean Cup action after suffering a second-round exit at Armagh City. However, the Amber Army had Premiership commitments last weekend as two late goals saw them lose 3-1 at Linfield. Stephen Baxter’s men are currently 11th in the league table and will meet Cliftonville in the final of the County Antrim Shield.
Previous Meetings:
Coleraine and Carrick Rangers met each other in the Sports Direct Premiership back in September.
- September 27, 2025 (SDP) – Coleraine 2 (Okoro ’44 mins & Cooper ’61 mins); Carrick Rangers (Waide ’26 mins)
Manager’s Thoughts:
“A really tough game,” answered Higgins when asked about what he expects this afternoon.
“It’s interesting when you watch the Linfield game from last week, obviously Gerard Boyle was at it.
“We’ve watched it back and for large periods they were the better team and had a lot of opportunities.
“They’ve got really threatening attacking players – we know that.
“From what we’ve faced this season I feel they’re probably in a false position. You look at some of the attacking players…they have the experience and they have league winners everywhere.
“We have to be right at it. I actually think they’re a good side. If we’re not on it and if we don’t play to our strengths, then it could be a long afternoon.
“We had a brilliant win away to Crusaders last week to get back to winning ways, so fingers crossed we can continue that.”
Officials:
The match referee will be Louise Thompson.
The assistant referees are Rachel Greer and Adam Jeffrey.
Declan Hassan has been selected as the fourth official.
Sponsors:
The match sponsor is John Marshall Tractor and Agricultural Machinery, John Knight, William Knight, Jimmy Faulkner and Cecil Linton.
Evolution Gym has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.
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.
Fans are reminded that they can provide a donation to the club’s Christmas Collection – in partnership with the Zachary Geddis Trust 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.