COLERAINE return to the Ballycastle Road this evening as Dungannon Swifts provide the opposition (KO 7.45pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine picked up a point last weekend as defences were on top against Cliftonville. The Bannsiders had the pick of the chances in the first 45 minutes, whilst Cliftonville had the best opportunity after the restart. It now means Ruaidhri Higgins’ men have four points from their opening two fixtures ahead of tonight’s clash and the weekend trip to Glenavon.

Dungannon Swifts have lost their opening two games of the campaign – the last of which was a 4-1 defeat to Portadown on Saturday. Rodney McAree’s men had Gael Bigirimana and Leo Alves dismissed in the loss. The Swifts had a memorable campaign last time out and featured in the European stage this summer where they were narrowly defeated by FC Vaduz of Liechenstein.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Dungannon met each other on four occasions last season in the Sports Direct Premiership and once in the Irish Cup.

  • August 10, 2024 – Dungannon Swifts 1 (Dillon ’25 mins); Coleraine 1 (Shevlin ’81 mins)
  • November 2, 2024 – Coleraine 4 (Shevlin ’45 mins, ’65 mins & ’69 mins & Wallace own goal ’61 mins); Dungannon Swifts 1 (Knowles ’47 mins)
  • January 25, 2025 – Dungannon Swifts 1 (Galvin ’41 mins); Coleraine 1 (Shevlin ’90+4 mins)
  • February 1, 2025 (Irish Cup) – Dungannon Swifts 2 (Bigirimana ‘7 mins & Galvin ‘113 mins); Coleraine 1 (McManus ’83 mins)
  • April 5, 2025 – Coleraine 3 (Scott ‘6 mins, Jarvis ’10 mins, Glackin ’90+1 mins); Dungannon Swifts 2 (McGovern ’20 mins, Glenny ’64 mins)

Manager’s Thoughts:

“Dungannon lost on Saturday but they’ve ben very, very good over the last period,” Higgins said.

“It’s only a matter of time before they click, but listen, it’s very early on in the season.

“We know they’ve got real quality but we really have to ramp home our home form.

“If we go and pick up three points, which is going to be a tough ask, then you would have to say it’s a solid start if we can do that.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Shane McGonigle.

The assistant referees are Paul Robinson and Shane Corrigan.

Louise Thompson has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is The Clyde Tavern.

John O’Hare, proprietor of The Clyde Tavern has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascot this evening is Alfie.

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.

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

Due to a good crowd expected at The Showgrounds, we encourage both sets of supporters to arrive at the ground in good time 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 12pm to 9pm.

Our caterers – Phat Events – will be serving food from around 6.30pm.

The Mckendry Suite will be open from 6pm, with the VIP bar and Viewing Lounge open from 6.30pm.