THE top two slug it out this evening as the Bannsiders welcome Larne to The Showgrounds for the second time this season (KO 7.45pm)…
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Overview:
Coleraine lost out in Premiership action last weekend as they were beaten 1-0 at Cliftonville. A first-half goal from Rory Hale ultimately proved to be the difference as the Bannsiders failed to find the back of the net in north Belfast. Ruaidhri Higgins’ men continue to occupy first place in the Premiership ahead of tonight’s visit of Larne.
Tonight’s visitors bounced back from their County Antrim Shield defeat to Carrick Rangers by coming from behind to beat Glenavon on home soil last Friday. After trailing 1-0 at the interval, the Inver Reds completed the turnaround through efforts from Paul O’Neill and Conor McKendry. Gary Haveron’s troops are currently second in the league table and have also progressed through to the quarter-final of the BetMcLean Cup.
Previous Meetings:
Coleraine and Larne met each other back in August in the Premiership.
- August 10, 2025 (SDP) – Coleraine 1 (Cooper ’86 mins) Larne 0
Manager’s Thoughts:
“Larne are a top-class side,” Higgins said.
“This is our fifth game against the so-called full-time clubs. It’s our fifth game, a lot more than any of the others.
“It’s a real gauge of where we’re really at, to be honest. All the games have been extremely tight. There’s nothing between the teams.
“We’ve lost one, we’ve drawn a couple, we’ve won one. It just shows you the competitive nature of the whole league, not just the full-time clubs.
“As I said, it’s a really good gauge. Tonight will be a really good gauge of where we’re really at as well. It’s a game we’re at home, and we want to go and win it.”
Officials:
The match referee will be Ben McMaster.
The assistant referees are Stephen Bell and Stephen Donaldson.
Declan Hassan has been selected as the fourth official.
Sponsors:
The match sponsor is Blok 51
Coleraine Stewards have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.
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.
Larne fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.
The game will be streamed on the BBC iPlayer and available via the Red Button.
A bucket collection will take place with all proceeds will going wards funding a trip to the Alton Towers Festival of Football in May next year for our 2013 Coleraine Olympic squad.
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 will be open from 6pm, with the VIP bar and Viewing Lounge open from 6.30pm.