COLERAINE continue a busy September schedule as Crusaders are the visitors to The Showgrounds tomorrow evening (KO 6pm)…

BOYLE SPORTS PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine reached the semi-final of the North-West Senior Cup on Tuesday night after a 5-1 victory against Dergview at The Showgrounds, with Jay Henderson catching the headlines by scoring a hat-trick. The Bannsiders’ last Premiership assignment was a 3-0 success at Portadown, meaning Ruaidhri Higgins’ men continue to top the table at this early stage.

Crusaders were also in midweek action as they defeated County Antrim Shield holders Carrick Rangers on penalty-kicks. After the game finished 2-2, the Hatchetmen held their nerve to progress into the next round. Declan Caddell’s side lost their opening game of the season but have rallied to win the next three, including last weekend’s 2-1 triumph against Glentoran at The Oval.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Crusaders met each other four times in all competitions last season.

  • September 6, 2025 (BSP) – Crusaders 0 Coleraine 4 (Cooper ’20 mins & ’43 mins, Shevlin ’45+2 mins, McManus ’79 mins)
  • November 29, 2025 (BSP) – Crusaders 0 Coleraine 2 (Glackin ’17 mins & McGonigle ’90+6 mins)
  • January 9, 2026 (IC) – Coleraine 4 (Connolly ’49 mins, Patching ’65 mins, Akintunde ’67 mins & Cooper ’79 mins); Crusaders 0
  • January 17, 2026 (BSP) – Coleraine 5 (Cooper ’46 mins, ’65 mins & ’90+3 mins, Connolly ’57 mins & Shevlin ’67 mins); Crusaders 1 (Bryden ’36 mins)

Manager’s Thoughts:

“Crusaders have had a really good start to the season,” Higgins said.

“They’ve got good young players, especially in attacking areas and it’s no different.

“We know we have to be right at it but we’re at home in front of our own crowd and we want to put on a good display.

“Hopefully the fans enjoy the new fanzone and come in with loads of energy and get right behind the team.

“I’ve said it a load of times but The Showgrounds is a great place to play football when the crowd is right up and at it.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Steven Gregg.

The assistant referees are Brian Wilson and TBC.

Declan Hassan has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is JF Travel.

Roasted Coffee has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots tomorrow evening are Charlie and Lillie.

Admission:

Season tickets are valid for the fixture, although, match tickets can be bought HERE.

Crusaders fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.

The match will be streamed live on NIFL TV 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 – 7pm.

Our caterers – Phat Events – will be serving food from around 4pm.

A bucket collection is being held with all proceeds going towards Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

Our brand new fanzone opens for the very first time from 4pm, with catering and alcohol on sale, including music from Niall Mack ahead of kick-off HERE.

The McKendry Suite will be open from 11.30am, with the VIP bar and Viewing Lounge open from 4pm.