Ruaidhrí Higgins has urged Coleraine FC supporters to get behind the squad ahead of Friday night's Premiership clash at Larne. The manager described the fixture as a game to get excited by, with his side sitting top of the table after a remarkable comeback win at the same ground just days ago.

Higgins issued a rallying call for the supporters to back the team just as they have done over the previous 12 months. His confidence is underpinned by a formidable away record and a six-point lead at the summit of the league. Coleraine have taken 31 points from their opening 12 games, winning ten and losing just once. Their record of ten wins and one draw from twelve matches has them six points clear of second-placed Linfield. This season they have scored 26 goals and conceded 12, giving them the best goal difference in the division.

This will be the second competitive meeting between the sides this season, following a goalless draw at The Showgrounds in August. The most recent encounter, however, was a pulsating affair last Saturday. Coleraine came from behind to win 3-2 at Inver Park, with Jamie Cooper scoring twice and Matthew Shevlin also on target after Larne's Jamie Simpson had netted a brace. That result extended Coleraine's winning run to three matches and maintained their position at the top of the standings.

The Bannsiders have been excellent on the road this campaign, a key factor in their league position. Their recent form reads four wins from the last five outings, with the only defeat in that sequence coming at home to Linfield. That run of results includes a 1-0 win over Cliftonville FC, a 3-2 victory at Bangor, and the recent 3-2 win at Larne. Higgins will be looking to that strong away record as a foundation for another positive result.

Higgins acknowledged the challenge Larne will present, noting their strong home form and physical style, but reiterated his belief in his squad's resilience and attacking threat. He pointed to the team's collective spirit and the depth of the squad as reasons for their consistent performances.

The match is scheduled for Friday, 16 October at 19:45 UK time at Larne's Inver Park. After this fixture, Coleraine's next assignment is a trip to face Crusaders FC on Saturday 24 October, with Crusaders FC currently sitting sixth in the table.

This story first appeared at colerainefc.com

Manager Ruaidhrí Higgins said the manner of Friday's 3-2 comeback win at Larne was the most pleasing aspect. "It makes me feel really proud of the group," Higgins told reporters. The victory, which came via goals from Joel Cooper (59', 81') and Matthew Shevlin (69'), extended Coleraine's winning run to three games. The league leaders, who have 31 points from 12 games, are now six points clear of Linfield.

In a statement on Larne FC's website, the club confirmed Coleraine's comeback win at Inver Park on October 16. Larne noted the victory left Ruaidhrí Higgins’ men six points clear at the top, though both Linfield and Larne have games in hand. The league leaders, with a record of 10 wins, one draw and one loss from 12 games, have now won their last three matches.