COLERAINE and Linfield collide for the first time this season as The Showgrounds plays host this evening (KO 7.45pm)…

BOYLE SPORTS PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine continued their great run of form with a deserved 1-0 triumph against Limavady United last time out. A single goal by Joel Cooper on the stroke of half-time proved to be the difference as the Bannsiders banked all three points. The success ensured that Ruaidhri Higgins’ men remained top of the Premiership table at this early stage.

Linfield were also 1-0 victors last time out as they edged out Crusaders at Windsor Park, courtesy of Kitt Nelson’s goal. The Blues had to do things the hard way as Kirk Millar received his marching orders but Linfield held firm to obtain maximum points. David Healy’s men are currently second in the table and have won five and drawn one of their last six games after their opening day loss to Ballymena United.

Previous Meetings:

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

  • October 28, 2025 (BSP) – Coleraine 2 (Shevlin ’55 mins & Dunne ’82 mins); Linfield 2 (Fitzpatrick ’15 mins & Roscoe ’37 mins)
  • November 8, 2025 (BSP) – Linfield 1 (Fitzpatrick ’57 mins); Coleraine 1 (Shevlin ’90+1 mins)
  • December 30, 2025 (BSP) – Coleraine 3 (Cooper ’52 mins, McGonigle ’77 mins & Patching ’90+4 mins); Linfield 1 (McKee ’90+2 mins)
  • April 18, 2026 (BSP) – Linfield 0 Coleraine 3 (Wylie ’14 mins, Shevlin ’42 mins & Okoro ’60 mins)

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It’s Friday night under the lights, there’ll be a big crowd in here, a huge crowd hopefully, against the most successful club in the Irish League,” Higgins said.

“If that doesn’t whet your appetite then nothing will.

“It’s a game that we’re really looking forward to, it’s a game that they’ll be looking forward to as well.

“I’ve got huge respect for David and his players and especially what David has done there over his longevity and his consistency.

“It’s really, really impressive and we know we’re coming up against a really, really tough opponent.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Evan Boyce.

The assistant referees are George Argyropoulos and Richard Hegarty.

Shane McGonigle has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Causeway Cars.

The mascot this evening is Axl.

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.

A bucket collection will be held with all proceeds going towards the Man On initiative.

The match will be streamed live on NIFL TV 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 12 noon to 9pm.

Our caterers – Phat Events – will be serving food from around 6pm.

Our new fanzone opens once again from 6pm, with catering and alcohol on sale, including music from Gareth Burns ahead of kick-off HERE.

The McKendry Suite will be open from 4.30pm, with the VIP bar and Viewing Lounge open from 6pm. The bars will be showing the Northern Ireland game against Georgia.