COLERAINE go in search of a spot in the Irish Cup decider as they meet Larne in today’s semi-final at Windsor Park (KO 3pm)…
CLEARER WATER IRISH CUP SEMI-FINAL
Overview:
Coleraine picked up all three Premiership points last time out after coming from behind to beat Dungannon Swifts. After trailing to Kobei Moore’s opener, the Bannsiders recovered to seal a 2-1 victory courtesy of goals from Joel Cooper and Mark Coyle. However, Premiership commitments are swapped for Irish Cup duty this afternoon with Ruaidhri Higgins’ men overcoming Crusaders, Carrick Rangers and Limavady United in the competition so far.
Larne stretched their lead at the top of the Premiership table to six points after a 2-0 home win against Cliftonville last Saturday. The Invermen made the use of home comforts against Cliftonville as Matthew Lusty and Andy Ryan got on the scoresheet. Gary Haveron’s side have navigated their way to the last four with wins against Ballymena United, Warrenpoint Town and Glentoran.
Previous Meetings:
Coleraine and Larne have met on three occasions in the Sports Direct Premiership this term.
- August 10, 2025 (SDP) – Coleraine 1 (Cooper ’86 mins) Larne 0
- November 25, 2025 (SDP) – Coleraine 1 (Shevlin ’90+2 mins); Larne 2 (Millar ’43 mins & Graham ’45 mins)
- January 2, 2026 (SDP) – Larne 3 (Ryan ’74 mins & ’81 mins, O’Neill ’85 mins); Coleraine 0
Manager’s Thoughts:
We’ve had a really good week so far…it’s just the finer details now,” Higgins said.
“We are all excited and looking forward to the game at the weekend.
“We’re coming up against a really good team as we know.
“They have good players, they are well coached and well organised, so we will have to be at our best to win.”
Officials:
The match referee will be Tony Clarke.
The assistant referees are George Argyropoulous and Ryan Kelsey.
Ian McNabb has been selected as the fourth official.
Admission:
Coleraine supporters require tickets for the fixture which can be purchased HERE.
The game will be streamed live on the BBC Sport NI website and available via the Red Button.
As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).