A trip to the seaside

COLERAINE will aim to keep up their good run of form as they make the visit to Ards this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

The Bannsiders booked their spot in the third round of the Irn-Bru Cup last weekend as they defeated Formartine United on penalty kicks to set up a tie with Connah Quay Nomads next month. As for Ards, they held Linfield to a goalless draw last time out and have picked up four points from five games.

The two sides met each other on three occasions last season and it was the Irish Cup holders who would pick up maximum points from those fixtures. The first was in September 2017 as second-half efforts from Josh Carson and Darren McCauley (2) sealed the win, before the Stripes won 4-1 at home in November courtesy of a Gareth McConaghie brace. The final clash was in March and Coleraine secured a 3-1 success as Jamie McGonigle (2) and Brad Lyons got on the scoresheet.

With new boss Rodney McAree expected to be in attendance, team affairs have been left with Trevor McKendry, Paul Owens and William Murphy. The trio will be without the services of Lyndon Kane and James McLaughlin through injury, but it is hoped that Stephen O’Donnell and Darren McCauley will return to the matchday panel after missing last weekend’s action.

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