COLERAINE are at home for the final time in this season’s Sports Direct Premiership as Glentoran visit the Ballycastle Road this afternoon (KO 5.30pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine were 3-0 victors last time out as goals from Ben Wylie, Matthew Shevlin and Zane Okoro earned all three points against Linfield at Windsor Park. The result moved Ruaidhri Higgins’ men up to second in the table on goal difference. Coleraine know that if they can win today – and Larne fall to defeat against Dungannon Swifts – then they will be crowned league champions.

Glentoran were also in action last weekend as they played out a goalless draw against Larne at The Oval. Both teams had chances throughout the 90 minutes but no goals were ultimately scored. Glentoran are now third in the table but are in a similar position to Coleraine, knowing that if they win today and Dungannon Swifts beat Larne, then they will be lifting the Gibson Cup.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Glentoran have met each other four times in all competitions this season.

  • 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)
  • March 21, 2026 (SDP) – Glentoran 1 (Stewart ’75 mins); Coleraine 1 (McGonigle ’44 mins)

Manager’s Thoughts:

“I’m not thinking about the Irish Cup final at all,” Higgins said.

“It’s all focus on Glentoran like it has been all week.

“On Sunday morning, we will organise the logistics for the cup final and all those sorts of things but our full focus is on Glentoran.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Ian McNabb.

The assistant referees are Stephen Donaldson and Shane Geary.

Tony Clarke has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Stable Lane Boutique.

Niall Mack Music and Sandy Arthur Coach Hire have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Rowan, Oliver, George, Ollie, Leo, Lucas, Joshua, Alfie, Steven, Anaya, Henry.

The Man of the Match award will be sponsored by Holley Optometrists.

Admission:

Tickets for both sets of supporters are completely sold out.

A bucket collection will be held for Victoria Lagan Dance and Drama as the group are fundraising as they have been selected to compete at the Dance World Cup in Dublin.

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 12 noon-7.30pm.

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

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