COLERAINE are back at The Showgrounds for the first time in almost a month as they take on Cliftonville this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

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Overview:

Coleraine made it back-to-back wins in the Premiership on Easter Tuesday courtesy of a 4-1 success at Larne. The Bannsiders picked up all three points as Matthew Shevlin (2), Ben Wylie and Will Patching got on the scoresheet at Inver Park. Ruaidhri Higgins’ men consolidated their third spot in the standings with the victory.

Cliftonville were also in action on Easter Tuesday as they were narrowly beaten on home soil by title challengers Glentoran. Despite Joe Gormley pulling a goal back for the Reds, they failed to earn any points as their city rivals left with a 2-1 victory. Jim Magilton’s men currently find themselves 5th in the Premiership table.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Cliftonville have met each other three times 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
  • March 14, 2026 (SDP) – Coleraine 1 (Patching ’50 mins) Cliftonville 0

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We are coming up against a smashing team,” Higgins said.

“We watched their game against Glentoran and for large parts of it, Cliftonville were the dominant side.

“They came out on the wrong end of the result but some of their play was excellent.

“They are extremely well coached, they’ve got really, really good players, so we know we will have to be right at it to get the three points.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Steven Gregg.

The assistant referees are Brian Wilson and Jason Millar.

Shane Andrews has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Jody Tolan Carpets Ltd.

The Spirit of ’74 Coleraine Supporters’ Club have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Lucas, Steven and Frankie.

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.

A bucket collection will be held for ‘April Balls Day’ as Western Trust and Northern Trust have come together to organise a special charity football match to raise funds for prostate cancer.

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.