Across the Irish Sea

COLERAINE commence their pre-season schedule with a friendly against Stranraer at Stair Park this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Pre-Season Friendly

Overview:

The fixture will mark Oran Kearney’s first game in charge since being reappointed as manager on Wednesday night. Kearney has had a quick start to life back at The Showgrounds as he took training on Thursday night, with Dylan Davidson and Dylan King both departing the club.

Stranraer have already featured in three pre-season games so far as they were beaten 1-0 by Annan Athletic, beaten 3-1 by Blyth Spartans, before drawing 2-2 with BSC Glasgow last Tuesday evening. The Blues currently play in Scottish League One and are managed by Stephen Farrell.

Recent meetings:

The two clubs have clashed three times since the turn of the century. The first was back in 2000 as an own goal by Ryan McLaughlin and Andy Paterson’s strike was enough to earn Stranraer a victory, despite Joe Gray hitting a consolation goal for the Bannsiders.

In 2010, Coleraine were victors of the Stena Line Challenge Cup as they edged out Stranraer 4-3 in an entertaining final. Early goals from Paul Brown and Sammy Morrow seemed to have the Stripes in control, but two goals in six minutes from Scott Agnew levelled the scores. However, Coleraine would hit the front through David Scullion and Stephen Lowry as Agnew completed his hat-trick late on.

The final meeting was a year later in what would be another dramatic Stena Lina Challenge Cup final. Coleraine broke the deadlock on 31 minutes as Shane Jennings headed home from Ryan McIlmoyle’s corner-kick. Despite dominating proceedings, the Bannsiders couldn’t stretch their lead and they were punished midway through the second-half as Scott Agnew brought the scores level.  Then on 77 minutes, Canning put Allen clean through on goal and as he shaped to shoot he was brought down by Marshall and the referee awarded the penalty. Unfortunately Allen missed the target, sending the ball over the crossbar. The match would be decided by penalties, with Peter Spratt missing the decisive spot-kick as Stranraer won 5-4 on spot kicks.

Team News:

It is expected that Stephen Lowry and Aaron Traynor won’t feature as the pair aim to return from injury. However, the friendly may present an opportunity for Aaron Burns and Alexander Gawne to make a comeback after missing the tail end of last season.

There will be a familiar face in the Stranraer line-up as former Coleraine man Jordan Allan joined the Blues in the summer.

Admission:

Adults £10, Concessions £5