Through the Mill

Pre-Season Friendly

Overview:

The Bannsiders commenced their pre-season fixtures last weekend with a hard fought 1-0 win against Stranraer. A solitary first-half strike from Jamie Glackin proved to be the difference in Scotland, despite the hosts missing a late penalty. As for the home side, this will be their third fixture as they were beaten by Institute in the first, before narrowly defeating Chimney Corner last weekend. The Castledawson outfit have been drawn to face Cliftonville in the first round of the BetMcLean League Cup.

Recent meetings:

The two sides have clashed in the North-West Senior Cup in recent years with both fixtures going in the way of the Bannsiders. The first was in September 2016 as goals from Adam Mullan and Sammy Morrow clinched a 2-0 success at Mill Meadow. The most recent meeting was an entertaining affair on the Ballycastle Road with the deadlock being broken on 49 minutes as Moyola Park defender Nicky Hudson rose unchallenged from a corner to give the Bluefin Sport Intermediate side the lead. Things got even better for Moyola when they doubled their advantage on 71 minutes as a ball into the box found Joshua Evans and the winger struck home. However, a youthful Coleraine side were to give themselves a lifeline on 87 minutes when Ben Wilson slammed home from close range. The comeback was complete in stoppage time when Matthew Kirk arrowed a well taken volley into the net to take the tie into extra-time. The match winner arrived on 112 minutes when Steven Douglas struck home from inside the box.

Team News:

It is expected that Stephen Lowry, Aaron Traynor, Lyndon Kane and Alexander Gawne won’t feature as the quartet continue to return to full fitness. However, the Bannsiders received a boost last weekend as Aaron Burns completed 45 minutes after overcoming an ankle complaint at the tail end of last season. A full squad will travel to Mill Meadow with a few youngsters also expected to feature as the Stripes prepare for two games in as many days.

Admission:

Adults £5, Concessions £3

As ever, those unable to attend can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).