Irish League Football

Jana McCabe
BBC Sport NI journalist

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Coleraine striker Matthew Shevlin said the side are expecting to face a "fit and sharp" HJK Helsinki in the second qualifying round of the Uefa Conference League.

The Bannsiders will compete in Europe for the first time since 2018 when they travel to play the Finnish side.

Ruaidhri Higgins' side will be aiming to build on last year's success when they finished runners-up in the Irish Premiership and lifted the Irish Cup.

"They are mid-season, so we are expecting them to be fit and sharp," Shevlin told BBC Sport NI.

"They have quality or they would not be in the competition so we are expecting a tough game, but we believe we can win.

"Bringing a result back for our home game would be a really good result so hopefully we can do that."

Shevlin scored 28 goals in all competitions last campaign and added that he is "feeling good" ahead of the new season.

Coleraine have also bolstered their attacking options ahead of the new campaign with some statement signings, including winger Conor McMenamin's arrival from St Mirren.

The 30-year-old has 14 caps for Northern Ireland and previously impressed during spells at Cliftonville and Glentoran.

"I had a good season last year and it was a good end to the season, so we hope we can push on from that now," he continued.

"The signings have been really good and top quality and they have integrated into the squad perfectly."

Before attentions can fully turn to the European fixtures, Coleraine will play Larne in the first Charity Shield without a Belfast club on Friday.

"Both teams can really use it as a springboard for going into Europe and seeing where you are at," Shevlin said.

"I am really looking forward to it."

Jana McCabe
BBC Sport NI journalist

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins said his side "are going into the season much better than we were last year" ahead of the new Irish Premiership campaign.

The Bannsiders finished second last season, three points behind champions Larne but secured the Irish Cup for the first time since 2018.

They have added Scot Jay Henderson and Northern Ireland international Conor McMenamin to their squad in the summer window so far with Ben Doherty also returning from Derry City and four players departing.

"Absolutely, Larne are champions and deserve the respect," Higgins told BBC Sport NI when asked if it was Larne's league to lose.

"But we feel like we are going into the season much better than we were last year. There is real excitement around and how we finished last season enhanced that.

"We know there will be stiff competition this year, but we are confident we are going to have a good year. We finished second last year and won the Irish Cup so our target this year is to go one step further and win the league."

Higgins will also have European football to factor in this season after the club qualified for the first time since 2018 and they will face Finnish side HJK Helsinki in the second qualifying round of the Uefa Conference League.

"We are certainly going to go into it as underdogs, they are a big name in Finnish football and have big name players," Higgins added.

"They are halfway through their season, but we have good preparation time. The ideal scenario is to keep the tie alive coming back [to Coleraine].

"As much as they will be the favourites, there is no reason why we can't cause an upset."

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Defending Premiership champions Glentoran continued their unbeaten start to the season and moved back to top spot after a 3-1 victory over Derry City.

A well-taken free-kick from Aimee Kerr after eight minutes gave the home side the lead at the Blanchflower Stadium.

Captain Jess Foy then doubled their advantage just before the half-time whistle before Mia Moore found the top corner within a minute of the restart.

The visitors were able to pull a goal back on the hour mark, but couldn't stage a second-half comeback.

"It was a battle," Kelly Crompton told Glentoran's media after the match.

"I think any team as big as Derry, they always make it a good battle.

"However, I think we stuck to our game plan and did what we had to do and I am happy with the result."

Image source, Press Eye

Cliftonville are three points clear at the top of the Women's Premiership table after a 3-0 win over Larne.

Fi Morgan opened the scoring at Solitude after 17 minutes before Teegan Lynch and Vicky Carleton netted in the second half.

Linfield move into second place as Megan Bell scored a hat-trick in a 9-1 hammering of Crusaders Strikers at Seaview.

Cora Chambers and Keri Loughrey put the Blues two up inside 20 minutes before former Linfield striker Rebecca Bassett pulled one back for the Crues.

Bell and and Zoe McGlynn extended Linfield's lead, and the Northern Ireland midfielder grabbed her second of the evening with 16 minutes left.

Sophie McKnight got in on the goalscoring action before Bell completed her hat-trick with 10 minutes remaining, and Stacey Murdough and Eva Myles completed the win late on.

Ryan McConville's free-scoring side have now netted 33 times in just five league matches.

Holders Glentoran, who were level on points with the Reds heading into the fifth game week, face Derry City on Sunday.

In a Friday night derby, Lisburn Rangers ran out 3-0 at Lisburn at the Bluebell Stadium.

Abbie Smyth netted in the 28th minute to give Rangers the lead before Zoe Rodgers' own goal and Caoimhe Gelston Mulholland's effort secured the three points.

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Leaders Glentoran made it four wins from four to start their Women's Premiership campaign as they beat Crusaders 4-2 at Seaview.

The Glens raced into a three-goal lead at the break in north Belfast courtesy of a double from Gracie Conway either side of a goal from Northern Ireland international Aimee Kerr.

The Crues fought back with two goals from Mia Fitzsimmons and Rebecca Mann, but Conway completed her hat-trick in injury-time to seal the win.

Cliftonville also maintained their 100% winning record as they thrashed Derry City 5-1 at Solitude.

Hannah Doherty opened the scoring on three minutes before the floodgates opened after half-time for the Reds.

Vicky Carlton added a second and Doherty netted another to make it three.

Derry pulled a goal back through Chelsea Scott but Kirsty and Caitlin McGuinness both scored to help Cliftonville ease to victory.

Linfield bounced back from defeat against the Reds last time out as they thrashed Lisburn Ladies 8-1 at Midgley Park, with Cora Chambers scoring four and Eve Reilly netting a hat-trick.

Lisburn Rangers eased to a 3-0 win against struggling Larne courtesy of a goal from Helen Parker and a double from Ellie-May Dickson.

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Conor Pepper has announced his retirement from football and will take up a role in Cliftonville's backroom staff.

Pepper made 98 appearances for the Reds after joining from Linfield in 2023, winning the Irish Cup and League Cup at Solitude.

The 32-year-old started his career with St Patrick's Athletic before earning a move to Scottish Premiership side Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

He then had a stint at Greenock Morton, winning the Scottish League One title before spending two season with Glentoran from 2018-2020.

Pepper made the switch to rivals Linfield after his contract ran out at the Oval and he was part of the Blues side that won a league and Irish Cup double in the 2020-21 season.

He will now take up the position of first team coach under Reds boss Jim Magilton.

Cliftonville also confirmed their first three signings of the summer window on Friday.

Defenders Dan O'Connor and Kyle McClelland have joined the north Belfast outfit, as has winger Ben Quinn.

O'Connor, 21, arrives after a spell with AFC Totton, while McClelland returns to the club on a permanent deal after spending the second half of the season on loan with the Reds from Glenavon.

The 24-year-old made just two appearances before suffering a broken toe that kept him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Quinn, the nephew of Republic of Ireland internationals Alan Quinn and Stephen Quin, joins after spending last season at Portadown.

The 21-year-old previously had spells with Celtic and Mansfield.

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Defender Scot Whiteside has become the latest player to sign for Ballymena United, following on from confirmation in recent days that Chris McKee and Miceal Glynn had been snapped up by the Sky Blues.

Whiteside joins the Braidmen following the expiration of his contract with Linfield.

The 29-year-old spent six years on Warden Street from 2018 to 2024, making 134 appearances in total.

He was a regular member of the side that finished second in the league in the 2018-19 campaign under then manager David Jeffrey and also lined out in two Irish Cup finals for United, missing out on a third through injury.

During his two-year spell at Linfield, Whiteside picked up a league winners' medal, as well as being part of the BetMcLean Cup winning squad last season.

Before his first spell at United, Whiteside played in the Rangers Youth set-up, as well as having a loan period at Coleraine, before eventually joining United for from Derry City.

"Once I heard the plans here on and off the pitch, it was an easy decision," Whiteside told the club's media channels.

"This is such a family-oriented club and I'm so excited to get back. There's a real freshness about the place this time round and hopefully with the experience I've gained at Linfield, I can offer so much more."

Ballymena manager Oran Kearney commented: "Ballymena United was very good for Scot in his first time here, as he was for the club and he's at a good age now where he wants to be racking up appearances and this is a great opportunity to write his second chapter here."

"I'm very big on creating a local identity for this club and Scot's been about this area for a long time and knows what it's about. David Healy spoke very highly of him and how he conducted himself at Linfield, but now is a good time to have him back here."

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Ben Doherty has returned to Coleraine from Derry City for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal.

Doherty scored 36 goals in 86 appearances during his first spell at the Showgrounds between January 2019 and the summer of 2021.

He then opted to join full-time outfit Larne before moving to hometown club Derry in January 2023 where he worked under current Bannsiders boss Ruaidhri Higgins.

"I was fortunate to manage Ben for a couple of years at Derry and I have to say he was fantastic for me," said Higgins.

"He brings that real running power and energy, a real drive and goals and assists.

"Ben's in a period of his career where he will have an incredible determination to be successful.

"He's 29-year-old, he's in his prime and he's arriving at a club who are ambitious and a team I feel that's on the rise."

Elsewhere, Ballymena United have completed the signing of defender Micheal Glynn following the expiration of his contract at Cliftonville.

The 24-year-old spent two years with the Reds, scoring four goals in 75 appearances and winning the BetMcLean Cup in 2025.

Glynn has also had spells Dungannon Swifts, Glenavon and Larne, where he won two Irish Premiership titles.

"I'm still very young in my career but I've played a lot of games in the league. I've picked up a few medals so far and the project here is one of trying to pick up more and pushing for Europe," he told the club's website.

"There's a great squad here with a lot of quality players that I've first hand experience of playing against."

Carrick Rangers have also confirmed forward Jack Hastings' return to the club on a free transfer after he left Larne at the end of his contract.

The 19-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Armagh City, previously spent the second half of the 2024/25 season at Taylors Avenue, making eight appearances for the club.

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Irish Premiership champions Larne will face Tre Fiori of San Marino in the Champions League first qualifying round.

The Inver side will be away for the first leg on 7/8 July, with the return leg on 14/15 July, with full fixture details including kick-off times still to be confirmed.

Tre Fiori won the Campionato Sammarinese for a record ninth time last season which was their first title since 2020.

They have played 11 European ties and were beaten 2-0 by Linfield in Europa League qualifying in the 2020-21 season.

Larne clinched a third Gibson Cup in four years last season and reached the league phase of the Uefa Conference League for the first time in the 2024-25 campaign.

If they lose that tie Larne will drop into the third round of the Uefa Conference League.

European play-off winners Linfield will face Estonian side Nomme Kalju in the first round of qualifying for the Uefa Conference League while Glentoran will take on Latvian side RFS.

The first leg of those games are set to take place on Thursday, 9 July and the second leg on Thursday, 16 July.

Kalju, who will be at home for the first leg, finished third in the Estonian top flight and suffered an extra-time 3-2 defeat by St Patrick's Athletic in the second qualifying round of last year's competition.

RFS finished second in the Latvian league and denied Linfield a place in the Conference League in 2022 after they beat the Blues in a penalty shootout.

They also enjoyed a 7-0 aggregate victory over Larne in the first qualifying round of the Champions League in 2023 and provide a stern test for the Glens, who have home advantage for the first leg.

League of Ireland side Derry City will face Bulgaria's CSKA Sofia in the first round of Europa League qualifying.

The Candystripes suffered a 2-1 aggregate defeat the last time the two sides met in the third qualifying round of the same competition in the 2009-2010 season.

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Linfield have signed defender Ryan Nolan on a two-year deal following the expiration of his contract at champions Larne.

The 27-year-old arrived at Inver Park in September 2024 and chalked up 48 appearances as he helped Larne to win the Gibson Cup in the 2025-26 season.

The county Clare native has also had spells playing in Spain, England and Scotland after spending time in Inter Milan's youth system.

"Ryan is a player we've admired for some time. He brings excellent experience, leadership qualities and a real presence at the back," Linfield boss David Healy told the club's website.

"He has played in several different countries and leagues, and we believe he will be a valuable addition to our group both on and off the pitch."

The Blues also announced the signing of Scottish duo Dylan Wells and Aidan Glavin.

Midfielder Wells joins on a one-year deal after leaving Motherwell while goalkeeper Glavin arrives following the expiry of his contract with Raith Rovers.

Elsewhere, Ballymena United have confirmed the arrival of forward Chris McKee from Linfield following the expiration of his contract.

McKee spent four-and-a-half years with the Blues after joining from Rangers, winning two Irish Premiership titles and three League Cups during his time at the club.

"Now is the time for me to kick on in my career, have a fresh start and a change and I was really excited by the project Ballymena came to me with," the 24-year-old said.

"When you look at the group of players Ballymena already have and those we're looking to bring in, I think we have a really strong squad."

Crusaders have also made a double signing, bringing in striker Aaron Reid and defender Graham Kelly.

Reid, 22, arrives from Airdrieonians following the expiration of his contract with the Scottish club and signs a two-year deal while 28-year-old Kelly joins from Coleraine after an injury-hit spell.

Thomas Maguire has also made the permanent switch to Seaview after spending the second half of last season on loan at the Crues.

The versatile Kris Lowe has returned to Dungannon Swifts from relegated Glenavon.

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Bangor striker Ben Arthurs will return for pre-season after being suspended by the club in April, the Irish Premiership side has confirmed.

The 28-year-old did not feature in the final games of the season after being investigated and suspended over a disciplinary matter.

In a statement on 20 April, Bangor said the club were "unable to provide further details" while an investigation took place.

However, the club said on Monday that an internal review has been completed and Arthurs will be available for the start of pre-season.

The forward has been part of the Bangor squad as they earned promotions through the divisions in recent seasons, initially playing for the club in the Ballymena & Provincial League, and culminating in their return to the top tier of Irish League football for the 2025-26 season.

Arthurs sits second in the all-time scoring charts for the club and the new campaign will be his ninth year with the north Down outfit.

Lee Feeney's side finished their first campaign back in the Irish Premiership in 10th place.

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Women's Premiership sides Cliftonville and Linfield both bowed out of the All-Island Cup at the quarter-final stage as they lost to Shelbourne and Galway on Saturday.

A young Reds side were beaten 3-1 by Shels at Tolka Park while the Blues were edged out 3-2 at Moyne Villa.

Shelbourne broke the deadlock on 17 minutes in Dublin as Aoibheann Clancy netted from the penalty spot.

Clancy then got her and Shels' second goal on 38 minutes as she finished low beyond Beth Peoples.

Cliftonville pulled a goal back three minutes after half-time through Lucy Kelly, before Becky Watkins volleyed home a third for the hosts on 85 minutes to send them through to the last four.

In Galway, Linfield went ahead on 37 minutes as Northern Ireland international Megan Bell netted.

Isabella Beletic levelled early in the second half for the hosts before Anna McGough scored her first senior goal to turn the game around for Galway on 80 minutes.

Fellow NI international Cora Chambers equalised for the Blues three minutes later before they suffered late heartbreak as Emma Doherty scored a last-minute winner to book Galway's place in the semi-finals.

Shelbourne and Galway will be joined in the semi-finals by Peamount United, who saw off Shamrock Rovers, and Bohemians, who beat Treaty United.

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Irish Premiership champions Larne have completed the signing of 24-year-old defender Sam McClelland.

McClelland arrives at Inver Park following a four-year spell in England and Scotland.

Having moved to Chelsea from Coleraine's academy in 2018, McClelland had a loan spell in the EFL with Barrow in the 2022-23 season.

Following this stint with the League Two club, McClelland moved north of the border to sign for St Johnstone in 2023.

His spell at McDiarmid Park included a successful loan spell with Dundee United, where the defender helped the Tannadice club to the Scottish Championship title.

On the international stage, McClelland has been capped at youth level up to and including 10 appearances for the under-21 side.

He went on to make his senior international debut against Ukraine in a friendly in June 2021.

The defender missed the last year because of a ruptured Achilles injury but has returned to fitness in time to boost the east Antrim club's squad before their European and domestic campaigns.

"Sam is a player I've always liked. He is a player who has been tipped for big things from an early age," said Larne manager Gary Haveron.

"He unfortunately picked up a bad injury and was maybe too brave for his own good, trying to play through it when he probably should have been taken out.

"He is back fully fit now; he flew through his medical. I'm really excited to see Sam in Larne shirt, because he had the potential to be one of the best centre halves in the Irish League."

"Sam is hungry to kick on. He will bring a presence, leadership and composure on the ball – so we're delighted to bring him to the club."

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Defender Rhys Breen has become the first signing of David Jeffrey's tenure as Portadown manager.

The former Linfield and Ballymena United boss was appointed as Niall Currie's successor at the end of April.

Breen began his career with Glasgow Rangers, coming through the youth system prior to signing a professional contract, and went on to have loan spells with Partick Thistle, Queen of the South and American side, Orange County SC, during his time at Ibrox.

The central defender made a permanent switch to Dunfermline in the summer of 2021, spending four seasons at East End Park, which included a loan spell with Annan Athletic, and being part of the Pars' League One winning campaign in 2022/23.

The 26-year-old featured 34 times during that memorable season.

Rhys spent 2025-26 with East Kilbride, helping them to the Scottish League Two title.

Jeffrey told the Portadown FC website that he was delighted with his first acquisition.

"I'm absolutely delighted to attract and secure someone with the ability, talent and desire of Rhys.

"The time was right for us and for Rhys to make the move to Shamrock Park and I must give tremendous credit to David Douglas for his persistence in tracking and getting this deal done. It really was something else.

"I'm very excited by this signing, especially taking into account Portadown's long history and success with players from Scotland. After speaking with Rhys, I can tell our supporters first hand how infectious, keen and grateful he is to become part of our club and get started."

Breen commented: "I'm really happy to get this deal done as I feel it's another step up for me in my career.

"I can't wait to get over and get on the grass and show what I can do and impress and do well for the club.

"I want to come and make a massive impact in the defensive area and help the team as much as possible by being a leader on and off the pitch."

Image source, Getty

Coleraine have signed Scottish winger Jay Henderson as manager Ruaidhri Higgins continues to boost his squad ahead of the new season.

The 24-year-old is a product of the St Mirren academy and has experience of playing in both the Scottish Premiership and Championship.

He went on to play for the first team at the Paisley-based side and for the Scottish national youth squads.

Henderson spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and played in the Scottish Cup final against Celtic at Hampden Park at the end of that campaign.

He subsequently joined Ross County on a three-year deal and spent a season on loan at Ayr United during the 2024-25 term, before departing his parent club in the summer.

"I'm really excited by what Jay can provide for us," said Higgins on the Coleraine FC website.

"He's a very dynamic attacking player who has a lot of talent and I've no doubts that he will excite our supporters.

"We've obviously lost players in that area of the pitch this summer and Jay brings a real quality to our squad and he's capable of changing the game in an instant.

"How we play will suit his game and the talent around him will also bring the best out of him."

The Bannsiders' new recruit said it was "an opportunity he is really looking forward to".

"It's a different league and environment and the plans that the club have are exciting and something I look forward to being part of," he said.

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Irish Premiership champions Larne will host Irish Cup winners Coleraine at Inver Park in this year's Northern Ireland Football League Charity Shield on Friday, 3 July.

The match will act as a useful warm-up for both sides as they prepare to enter European club competition during July.

The fixture was traditionally held as a curtain-raiser to the new Irish League season but since 2023 has been used to prepare for participation in Europe.

Larne will compete in the first round of the Champions League qualifiers the following week while Coleraine will enter the Uefa Conference League qualifiers at the second round stage.

Dungannon Swifts won last year's Charity Shield by beating Linfield 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw between the sides at Windsor Park.

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Striker Andy Ryan is leaving Irish Premiership champions to return to play football in his native Scotland.

During a three-and-a-half year spell with the Invermen, the prolific forward played a pivotal role in securing three league titles for the east Antrim club, as well as helping secure qualification for the Uefa Conference League league stage and a County Antrim Shield success.

The 31-year-old made 121 appearances for Larne, scoring 70 goals.

"We can confirm Andy Ryan will depart Inver Park upon the expiry of his contract at the club," a statement released by the club on Monday read.

The former Hamilton Accies frontman clinched Larne's place in the Conference League league phase when he scored a hat-trick in the second leg of the Qualifying Round against Lincoln Red Imps in August 2024.

"When Andy arrived there is no doubt Larne were knocking on the door for major honours, but when he came in he was the catalyst to kick us on for the success which followed," said Larne manager Gary Haveron.

"His hat-trick against Lincoln Red Imps will no doubt be one of the main standout memories to clinch qualification for the Conference League.

"Every team needs a goalscorer and Andy provided that for us. He was the talisman who came up trumps time and again.

"One thing many people won't know is his leadership in and around the group. He sets standards in how he trained and if something needed said in the changing room he would have said it and he was above reproach because he would have done his job."

Ryan reflected on his time at the club with satisfaction and thanked everyone at Larne for welcoming him warmly.

"I have really enjoyed my time at the club in what has been a successful period for everyone connected with it.

"During that time I have met so many amazing people – many of them have become friends along the way.

"I just felt it was the right time for me to move on, with three league winners medals it feels like the right time, having lifted one more Gibson Cup."