Coleraine v Crusaders. Clearer Water Irish Cup. Friday 9th January

10th Jan 2026

Crusaders are off up the M2 to the North Coast where they play Coleraine in the Clearer Water Irish Cup 5th Round. It is a massive task for Declan Caddell's young side against a hugely experienced and massive financially backed Coleraine but they will give it their all.

Crusaders should have Jonny James who has been recalled from H&W Welders and new signing Cameron Bruce in the squad for the game but we wait too see if manager Declan Caddell changes the team who played so well against Dungannon Swifts last week in the Premiership. The young side will go into the game with hopes of causing an upset and certainly based on the way they played over the Christmas period they are in with a chance.

Coleraine keeping adding to an already impressive squad and with recent signings Mark Connolly, Mark Coyle and Ben Wylie they will only be stronger. Ruaidhri Higgins will have a strong belief his side can go all the way in this years competition but will also be aware of this game being a potential “banana skin” and will set up accordingly. 

The sides have met twice in the Premiership so far this season with Coleraine winning twice

Head to Head

Sat 29th Nov Crusaders 0 Coleraine 2 

Sat 6th Sept Crusaders 0 Coleraine 4 

Match Officials

Ref Steven Gregg

Asst. Ref Brian Wilson & Rachel Greer

4th Off Tony Clarke

It's Cup football and anything can happen so give it a go. C'mon the Crues.