COLERAINE finalise their pre-split fixtures as the Bannsiders are the visitors to The Oval this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine returned to winning ways in the Premiership last weekend as Will Patching’s goal saw the Bannsiders win 1-0 at home to Cliftonville. The result means the Stripes go into today’s final post-split game in third position in the table. Ruaidhri Higgins, who was suspended for the fixture against the Reds, will now be available to return to the dugout.

Glentoran were in midweek action as they consolidated their second place position in the Premiership with a 3-0 victory at home to Cliftonville. Goals from Daniel Larmour and Pat Hoban (2) sealed the success for the Glens, who responded emphatically after their defeat to Linfield in the final of the BetMcLean Cup.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Glentoran have met on three occasions in all competitions this term.

  • September 19, 2025 (SDP) – Coleraine 1 (Lyons-Foster ‘8 mins); Glentoran 2 (Stewart ’52 mins & ’69 mins)
  • December 19, 2025 (SDP) – Glentoran 2 (Hoban ’82 mins & Russell ’89 mins); Coleraine 1 (Shevlin ’64 mins)
  • February 3, 3036 (BMC) – Glentoran 2 (Hoban ’45 mins & Jenkins ’93 mins); Coleraine 1 (Cooper ’53 mins)

Manager’s Thoughts:

“I’m nearly sure that second place last year after 38 games finished on 63 points,” Higgins said.

“Everyone currently in the top four is on 62 points plus, so it shows how the league has swung, it shows how competitive the league has become.

“As I said, Larne finished second last year on 63 points, and with seven games to go, all the top four teams have at least equalled that. So, it’s really, really, really competitive, really competitive.

“At this moment in time, we’re on two points a game, which normally would have you very much in the mix. I know we are in the mix, but we’re possibly not in as good a position as the couple of teams just above us.

“I think the split adds brilliance. I think it’s really, really good…I think it makes it so interesting.

Officials:

The match referee will be Shane Andrews.

The assistant referees are Kristian Hanna and Richard Hegarty.

Declan Hassan has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters require 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).