COLERAINE end the calendar year by taking on Linfield at The Showgrounds this evening (KO 7.45pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine suffered a second defeat on the bounce on Boxing Day as they were beaten 2-0 by Ballymena United at Warden Street. A goal in either half by Daire O’Connor was enough to give the Sky Blues all three points. Bannsiders boss Ruaidhri Higgins will once again be without Dylan Boyle through suspension but Dean Jarvis is available after serving his one-match ban.

Linfield also lost out to derby rivals Glentoran as Joe Thomson’s fine strike sent all three points to the other side of the capital. David Healy’s men find themselves fourth in the Premiership standings at present and they will meet Ballymena United in the semi-final of the BetMcLean Cup, as well as Bangor in the fifth-round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Linfield have met each other on two occasions so far in the Sports Direct Premiership this season.

  • October 28, 2025 (SDP) – Coleraine 2 (Shevlin ’55 mins & Dunne ’82 mins); Linfield 2 (Fitzpatrick ’15 mins & Roscoe ’37 mins)
  • November 8, 2025 (SDP) – Linfield 1 (Fitzpatrick ’57 mins); Coleraine 1 (Shevlin ’90+1 mins)

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We have Linfield on Tuesday night and we have to put in a brave performance,” Higgins said.

“Feeling sorry for ourselves is not an option and accepting defeat is not an option.

“We have to become winners and how you become winners; when things aren’t going smoothly you have to dig in and pick up big results and big performances.

“That’s what we’ve got to do now.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Ben McMaster.

The assistant referees are John Doherty and Paul Robinson.

Ian McNabb has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is J. Calvin t/a W. Mitchell Car Body Repairs.

Isaac Boyd, Fergie McCurdy, Ryan Craig and Clyde Shanks have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this evening are Jackson, Jonah, Troy, Mason and Axl.

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

Admission:

Season tickets are valid for the fixture, although, match tickets can be bought HERE.

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

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 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.