COLERAINE and Portadown do battle for the first time this season as the Bannsiders are the visitors to Shamrock Park this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine put in an eye-catching performance last time out as they netted four goals without reply against Crusaders at Seaview. A brace from Joel Cooper – added to efforts from Matthew Shevlin and Declan McManus made it a memorable away day for Ruaidhri Higgins’ men. The Bannsiders were also able to give debuts to Rowan McDonald and Zane Okoro following their summer arrivals at the Ballycastle Road.

Portadown were beaten by Linfield at Windsor Park last weekend as Sam Taylor and Matthew Fitzpatrick (2) netted the goals for the Blues. Niall Currie’s men are currently 9th in the Premiership standings after two wins and four losses from their opening six games. The County Armagh side have been drawn away to Newry City in the first round of the BetMcLean Cup.

Previous Meetings:

The two clubs met on three occasions last season in the Sports Direct Premiership.

  • September 17, 2024 (SDP) – Portadown 2 (Mayse ’75 mins & Wilson ’90+6 mins); Coleraine 2 (Campbell ‘9 mins & Shevlin ’69 mins)
  • March 1, 2025 (SDP) – Coleraine 2 (Doherty ’11 mins & Glackin ’58 mins) Portadown 0
  • March 22, 2025 (SDP) – Coleraine 1 (Boyle ’69 mins) Portadown 0

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We are expecting a very tough game,” Higgins said.

“I know Niall’s done a brilliant job there with his staff and players.

“If you look at their first half performance vs Linfield, they probably shaded it to be honest with you, in terms of who the better team was in the first half.

“Obviously, they were unfortunate with one or two decisions so we know that we’re in for a real, real tough game.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Tim Marshall.

The assistant referees are Ryan Kelsey and Shane Corrigan.

Glenn Buchanan has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters can purchase tickets for the fixture which can be bought HERE.

We would urge supporters to arrive at the ground in good time and respect residents and businesses in terms of parking your vehicle.

As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).