COLERAINE host their first league game in over a month as Glentoran are the visitors to The Showgrounds this evening (KO 7.45pm)…
SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP
Overview:
Last weekend Coleraine scored four goals on the road for a second consecutive week after a 4-1 success against Portadown. Will Patching got his Coleraine account up and running with a brace, with Matthew Shevlin and Joel Cooper also finding the back of the net. Ruaidhri Higgins’ men currently find themselves 3rd in the Premiership standings ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.
Glentoran played out a 1-1 draw against ‘Big Two’ rivals Linfield last time out as Pat Hoban’s penalty was cancelled out by Chris Shields’ spot kick. Declan Devine’s men are unbeaten in their opening seven games and currently sit at the summit of the Premiership. The east Belfast side will face Institute in the first round of the BetMcLean Cup, as well as Carrick Rangers in the quarter-final of the County Antrim Shield.
Previous Meetings:
Coleraine and Glentoran met each other four times in the Sports Direct Premiership last season.
- August 20, 2024 (SDP) – Glentoran 0 Coleraine 0
- October 26, 2024 (SDP) – Coleraine 2 (Shevlin ’72 mins & ’76 mins); Glentoran 1 (Hvid ’20 mins)
- February 14, 2025 (SDP) – Coleraine 1 (Shevlin ’90+1 mins); Glentoran 2 (Jenkins ’31 mins & Lyons-Foster ’83 mins)
- April 1, 2025 (SDP) – Glentoran 2 (Dunne own goal ‘3 mins & Connolly ’57 mins); Coleraine 1 (McManus ’90+6 mins)
Manager’s Thoughts:
“We’re looking forward to, I hope, a sell-out,” Higgins said.
“I hope it’s a sell-out. I can’t see why it wouldn’t be. It’s a brilliant game.
“They whet the appetite. Hopefully, this place is bouncing. We know they’ll bring a really good away following as well.
“They’re a big club. Let’s see. May the best team win.
“As I said, I think both teams will have a real go at it. Hopefully, we can do everything in our power to pick up another big three points.
Officials:
The match referee will be Steven Gregg.
The assistant referees are Paul Robinson and Rachel Greer.
Michael McKenna has been selected as the fourth official.
Sponsors:
The match sponsor is Man 1984.
Cochrane Dental Care has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.
The mascots this evening are Archie, Tom, Rebecca, Hugo, Seth and Harry.
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.
Glentoran fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.
The match will be streamed live via the BBC Sport NI website and available on the Red Button.
A bucket collection will take place for Brainwaves NI in memory Ricky Peoples HERE.
Due to a huge 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, the VIP bar and Viewing Lounge will all be open from 6.30pm.