COLERAINE return to The Showgrounds after four successive games on the road as Dungannon Swifts provide the opposition this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine returned to winning ways in the Premiership last weekend as goals from Will Patching and a brace from Matthew Shevlin sealed a 3-1 win against Ballymena United at Warden Street. As a result, the victory moved the Bannsiders top-of-the-table ahead of this weekend’s fixtures. A youthful starting eleven – with an average age of just over 16 – would then be edged out on penalty kicks in the semi-final of the North-West Senior Cup.

Dungannon Swifts are currently on the crest of a wave after winning their last four Premiership matches, as well as navigating their way into the second-round of the BetMcLean Cup. Rodney McAree’s side find themselves 7th in the Premiership table – although they were knocked-out of the Mid-Ulster Cup by Rathfriland Rangers during the week.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Dungannon Swifts met each other in the Premiership back in August.

  • August 19, 2025 (SDP) – Coleraine 2 (McManus ’26 mins & Glackin ’35 mins) Dungannon Swifts 0

Manager’s Thoughts:

“I think it’s a brilliant game,” Higgins said.

“I think it’s two teams who will go at it, who try to play a decent brand.

“Dungannon have won five in the spin, one of them being a cup game, but for me they’re the in-form team in the league.

“Their performance against Glentoran last week was top-notch and we have to be at our very best to beat them, so hopefully we can put in another good performance.

Officials:

The match referee will be Ian McNabb.

The assistant referees are George Argyropoulos and Paul Robinson.

Steven Gregg has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

John Marshall Tractor and Agricultural Machinery has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Rio, Joe, Archie and Mila-Rose.

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 trial change to the natural stadium configuration – both sets of supporters are urged to read entry details 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 10pm to 5pm.

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

The McKendry Suite will be open at 11.30am, with the VIP bar and Viewing Lounge opening its doors at 1.30pm.