COLERAINE welcome Cliftonville to The Showgrounds for the first time this season as our Sports Direct Premiership campaign continues this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine reached the semi-final of the Irish Cup last weekend after a 2-0 success against Limavady United at The Showgrounds. Efforts from Joel Cooper and Matthew Shevlin teed up a meeting against Larne in the last four early next month. The Bannsiders’ last Premiership outing was a 3-1 loss at Dungannon Swifts.

Cliftonville also progressed into the last four of the Irish Cup after they ran out 3-0 victors away at Loughgall. Jim Magilton’s side were also involved in midweek action as Joe Gormley’s late goal sealed all three points away at Crusaders. The Reds are currently fifth in the Premiership standings as they close in on securing a top-six spot.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Cliftonville have met each other twice in the Premiership so far this season.

  • August 16, 2025 (SDP) – Cliftonville 0 Coleraine 0
  • November 22, 2025 (SDP) – Cliftonville 1 (Hale ’40 mins) Coleraine 0

Manager’s Thoughts:

“Cliftonville are in really good form,” Higgins said.

“It’s a tough assignment, they play excellent football, it’s the way Jim’s teams play.

“We haven’t got it easy against them – far from it – we haven’t beaten them this season yet.

“We’re at home where we have an exceptional record this season and we want to put three points on the board,”

Officials:

The match referee will be Ian McNabb.

The assistant referees are Ryan Kelsey and Gavin Hegarty.

Tony Clarke has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Adams Transport.

Wilbert Marshall, Alan McMillan and Coleraine Social Club have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Archie and Cooper.

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.

Cliftonville fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased 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 10am to 5pm.

Our caterers – Phat Events – will be serving food from around 1.30pm.

The McKendry Suite will be open from 11.30am, with the VIP bar and Viewing Lounge open from 1.30pm.