Play-Off Permutations

COLERAINE FC will have one eye on this weekend’s Irish Cup final as they prepare for the European play-offs…

The Bannsiders will aim to secure European football yet again for 2022/23 with their opponents for the upcoming play-offs being decided this weekend.

If Crusaders win the Irish Cup, Coleraine will travel to Larne next Tuesday (May 10) and if they are victorious, they will face the winner of the other tie between Glentoran and Glenavon. If Glentoran are also successful, the Stripes will travel to The Oval on Friday week (May 13) but if Glenavon come through that assignment, Coleraine will have home advantage.

However, if Ballymena United win the showpiece decider, then things become a little bit more difficult. The Bannsiders will then host Glenavon next Tuesday (May 10) and if they come through that game, then they face Glentoran at The Oval four days later (May 14). The winner of that semi-final will play the successful team from the other last four clash which sees Crusaders host Larne. Oran Kearney’s men know they will be away from home for the final regardless of who wins between the other semi-final tie.

Still with us? If not, colerainefc.com will endeavour to keep fans up-to-date with all the latest updates regarding the European play-off schedule.

Scenario 1 – If Ballymena United win the Irish Cup;

Tuesday 10 May 2022
Quarter-final – Coleraine (6th) v Glenavon (7th)

Saturday 14 May 2022
Semi-final 1 – Glentoran (3rd) v Winner of Quarter-final
Semi-final 2 – Crusaders (4th) v Larne (5th)

Tuesday 17 May 2022
Final – Winner of Semi-final 1 v Winner of Semi-final 2
(Match to be played at the home ground of highest placed finalist in the league standings)

Scenario 2 – If Crusaders win the Irish Cup;

Tuesday 10 May 2022
Semi-final 1 – Glentoran v Glenavon
Semi-final 2 – Larne v Coleraine

Friday 13 May 2022
Final – Winner of Semi-final 1 v Winner of Semi-final 2
(Match to be played at the home ground of highest placed finalist in the league standings)