COLERAINE continue their Premiership schedule this afternoon as Crusaders are the opponents at Seaview (KO 3pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine were not in action last weekend as their Premiership assignment against Linfield was postponed due to the Blues’ European exploits. However, Ruaidhri Higgins’ men did progress into the semi-final of the North-West Senior Cup as Matthew Shevlin, Oliver Devlin and Luke Fleming netted in a 3-0 success against Newbuildings United. The Bannsiders are currently 3rd in the standings ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures.

Crusaders were also in midweek action as they were eliminated from the County Antrim Shield against north Belfast rivals Cliftonville. Declan Caddell’s side lost out to Portadown last weekend in the Premiership and sit 10th in the table. The Hatchetmen have been drawn to face Ballymacash Rangers at home in the first round of the BetMcLean Cup. A total of ten new arrivals have arrived at Seaview in the summer.

Previous Meetings:

The two clubs met on six occasions last season – four in in the Sports Direct Premiership, once in the BetMcLean Cup and once in the European play-off.

  • October 5, 2024 (SDP) – Crusaders 2 (Nixon ’23 mins & Stewart ’56 mins); Coleraine 1 (Boyle ’35 mins)
  • November 5, 2024 (BMC) – Crusaders 2 (Lowry ’48 mins & ’90 mins); Coleraine 1 (Shevlin ’17 mins)
  • November 24, 2024 (SDP) – Coleraine 1 (Shevlin ’76 mins); Crusaders 2 (Stewart ’20 mins & Offord ’38 mins)
  • January 18, 2025 (SDP) – Coleraine 0 Crusaders 2 (Blaney ’35 mins & Jewitt-White ’90+3 mins)
  • April 19, 2025 (SDP) – Crusaders 3 (Boyd ‘1 min, ’56 mins & ’85 mins) Coleraine 0
  • May 7, 2025 (EPO) – Coleraine 1 (McManus ‘3 mins) Crusaders 0

Manager’s Thoughts:

“I know that they have attacking players that can hurt you, they’ve got real energy and youthfulness in forward areas,” Higgins said.

“If you look at Bryden and Brooks and Dunlop and lads like that…they can really hurt you at any given time.

“If we’re not at it defensively, they’ll score goals because you’ve seen their capabilities of scoring goals.

“You look at the first half performance in particular, on the opening day they were brilliant. I know they didn’t see it through but it was a glimpse of what they’re capable of and we need to be ready for it.

“But we also need to go and stamp our own authority and our own style on the game as well.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Louise Thompson.

The assistant referees are Kristian Hanna and Gavin Hegarty.

Ben McMaster 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).