COLERAINE and Linfield meet for the first time this season as the Bannsiders play host this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine were made to work hard for all three points last weekend as two second-half goals saw off Portadown at Shamrock Park. The goals both came from set-pieces as Matthew Shevlin headed in from Levi Ives’ corner, with Joel Cooper then profiting from another delivery several minutes later. It means Ruaidhri Higgins’ men remain top of the Premiership table ahead of a busy schedule.

Linfield recovered from their losses to Portadown and Cliftonville in the Premiership and County Antrim Shield by beating Ballymena United last weekend. The Blues won the contest 2-1 as Euan East and Ben Hall were on target at Windsor Park. David Healy’s men are currently 4th in the Premiership table and they will face H&W Welders away from home in the second-round of the BetMcLean Cup.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Linfield met each other on four occasions in the Sports Direct Premiership last season.

  • September 28, 2024 (SDP) – Coleraine 0 Linfield 3 (Cooper ’20 mins, Brown own goal ’25 mins & McClean ’41 mins)
  • December 14, 2024 (SDP) – Linfield 3 (Fitzpatrick ’29 mins & ’88 mins, Cooper ’72 mins)
  • February 22, 2025 (SDP) – Linfield 0 Coleraine 2 (Murray ’22 mins & ’67 mins)
  • April 26, 2025 (SDP) – Coleraine 1 (Campbell ’43 mins) Linfield 0

Manager’s Thoughts:

“I have no doubt that our supporters will be in full voice on Tuesday night,” Higgins said.

“It’s a great game and obviously when you going into any season, Linfield are strong favourites to win the league title.

“It is the same this year and we are at the start of our journey but it would be a brilliant game to win, and we will do everything we can to win the game against a really good side who had a good win last Saturday.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Shane Andrews.

The assistant referees are Stephen Bell and Brian Wilson.

Ross Dunlop has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Wes Gregg Coleraine Supporters’ Club.

Nigel Hamilton has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this evening are Ruby, Samuel and Dawson.

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

Admission:

Season tickets are valid for the fixture, although, match tickets are now SOLD OUT.

Tickets bought for the original fixture on Sunday, August 31 remain VALID. Full information HERE.

Linfield fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.

A bucket collection will take place for Ballysally Primary School in their efforts to create a new outdoor play area for its pupils.

The game will be streamed live via the BBC Sport NI website and available on the Red Button.

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 10pm 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.