COLERAINE return to the European stage as the Bannsiders are the visitors to HJK Helsinki in the Conference League second qualifying round (KO 5pm)…
CONFERENCE LEAGUE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND FIRST LEG
Overview:
Coleraine are involved in European football for the first time in 2021 as they prepare to lock horns against HJK Helsinki. The Bannsiders have reached the second qualifying stage of the competition due to winning last season’s Irish Cup. The contest will mark Coleraine’s first-ever occasion of competing against a team from Finland.
HJK Helsinki are currently at the midway point of their domestic campaign where they sit fifth in the table. They come into tonight’s match on the back of a 2-1 win against VPS as Santeri Haarla and Teemu Pukki were amongst the goals. Helsinki, who are no strangers to European football after reaching the group/league phase of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League in their history, will contest the final of the Finnish Cup as they aim to defend their crown.
Manager’s Thoughts:
“This is the stage you want to be involved in,” Higgins said.
“It’s been five years since Coleraine have been in Europe, so it’s great to be a part of the group that’s here now.
“We don’t want to simply make up the numbers. I know Helsinki are huge favourites but we certainly believe and back ourselves.
“There’s no reason why we can’t take a positive result back home.”
Officials:
The match referee will be Novak Simović.
The assistant referees are Nikola Djorovic and Miloš Simovic.
Stanko Ostraćanin has been selected as the fourth official.
Admission:
Coleraine supporters can buy tickets for the fixture which can be bought HERE.
Away fans will be located in blocks 113 and 114 for the contest at the Bolt Arena.
The match will be streamed live on the NIFL TV website HERE, with the Social Club opening from 4pm to show the game.
As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).