BOYLE Sports Premiership | Friday 25 September 2026 | 7.45pm | Coleraine Showgrounds
First meets second at the Coleraine Showgrounds on Friday night as Coleraine put their unbeaten BOYLE Sports Premiership start on the line against Linfield.
Ruaidhri Higgins’ side have taken 22 points from their first eight league games, winning seven and drawing one. The Blues sit three points behind on 19, having recovered from an opening-day defeat to Ballymena United to go seven games without another loss. A Linfield win would bring the sides level on points; a Coleraine win would extend the gap at the top to six.
Cooper delivers, but Higgins wants more
Coleraine’s latest three points came in a 1-0 home victory over Limavady United last Saturday. Former Linfield player Joel Cooper scored the winner just before half-time after being sent through by Ben Doherty.
It completed a run of three wins in eight days for the Bannsiders, but Higgins was dissatisfied with their display after the interval. In his post-match comments, he said the second half “just wasn’t good enough” and called for an improvement. Friday’s meeting offers an immediate test of that response.
Speaking ahead of Linfield’s visit, Higgins described the Blues as a “tough, tough opponent” and said the contest has the makings of a strong game. He also noted a slight injury concern for Finn Tonks. The club has announced new deals for Lewis Webb and Lyndon Kane.
Linfield arrive with momentum
Linfield also won 1-0 last weekend, with Kitt Nelson scoring shortly after the restart against Crusaders. David Healy’s team finished that match with ten men after substitute Kirk Millar received a straight red card in the second half.
The Blues have conceded only five goals in eight league games, although they have scored nine compared with Coleraine’s 18. Those numbers point to a contest between Coleraine’s lively attack and a Linfield side that has made tight wins a habit. Healy said after the Crusaders match that he hoped to have one or two players back available for the trip to Coleraine.
Coleraine took two wins and two draws from their four league meetings with Linfield last season. That record, and home advantage, will encourage the leaders. Linfield’s recent run makes Friday a chance to close the gap and give the title race an early jolt.
Match details: Coleraine v Linfield, Friday 25 September, 7.45pm, Coleraine Showgrounds. The game is scheduled to be shown on NIFL TV. Supporters can check the clubs’ official channels for ticket and team news.
Discover more from LoveBelfast
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
