All To Play For

COLERAINE will be hoping that home comforts prove vital as they welcome Spartak Subotica to The Showgrounds in the second leg of the Europa League first qualifying round (KO 7:45pm)…

The Bannsiders looked certain to celebrate only their second away win in European competition last Thursday night, but were undone at the death as Mile Savkovic scored a last minute spot kick in Novi Sad. Oran Kearney’s men will be buoyed by the fact they have an away goal in the bank courtesy of Darren McCauley’s first-half strike – the Stripes’ first goal in Europe in 15 years. With the tie level 1-1 on aggregate, there is everything to play for in the second leg at The Showgrounds.

Stripes boss Oran Kearney will be in the dugout for the fixture after returning from a pre-arranged family holiday, but will be without the services of defensive trio Lyndon Kane, Steven Douglas and Graham Crown. Furthermore winger Josh Carson is unavailable for the fixture due to an unfortunate mix-up, but should be available for selection again if Coleraine progress in the competition.

Trevor McKendry, who was in charge of team affairs alongside Paul Owens & John Gregg in Serbia, believes Coleraine will have to work equally as hard tomorrow evening if they are to progress.

“They’re a really good team, as you would expect from a full-time side,” said Trevor.

“They will come on to us and they will be coming to win – they know they have to score.

“We’ve got to be solid and compact like we were over there and we’re going to have to work very hard if we hope to get through.”

Supporters are reminded that entry is via tickets only and car parking will be closed 45 minutes before the game with no exceptions. Parking for general public will be behind the Railway End stand only.

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