Coleraine manager Ruaidhrí Higgins expressed frustration with his side's defensive performance following a 3-0 loss to HJK Helsinki in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League on July 21, 2026.
Speaking after the match at the Coleraine Showgrounds, Higgins said: 'We gave away three poor goals from our perspective. At this level, you cannot afford to make those mistakes.' The defeat leaves Coleraine with a mountain to climb in the second leg in Finland.
HJK Helsinki, the Finnish champions, took control early with goals from forward Anthony Olusanya and midfielder Lucas Lingman, before a late strike from Santeri Väänänen sealed the win. Coleraine struggled to create clear chances, managing only two shots on target.
Higgins added: 'We need to be more clinical in both boxes. We'll have to go to Helsinki and try to produce a near-perfect performance.' The second leg is scheduled for July 28, 2026, at the Bolt Arena.
