Away to Windsor

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders come into the fixture on a nine match unbeaten run and after a 1-0 victory against derby rivals Ballymena United. After the scores were level at the break, the match winner would arrive from the boot of Lyndon Kane who fired home his first goal of the season. That result saw Oran Kearney’s men go level on points with third-placed Crusaders and having played a game less.

Linfield haven’t been in action since their 1-1 draw against Carrick Rangers on February 9 but still sit at the summit of the Danske Bank Premiership. The Blues were busy in the January transfer window as Joel Cooper, Cammy Palmer and Michael Newberry all made the switch to Windsor Park.

Previous meetings:

The two sides would meet in November and a goal in each half would give David Healy’s men a deserved three points at The Showgrounds.

The deadlock would be broken on 31 minutes as a poor clearance was seized upon by Niall Quinn and his cross found Andy Waterworth who made no mistake from close range. Ten minutes later, the same combination would see the ball go into the back of the net but the lineman’s raised his flag for offside.

The Bannsiders would spurn a glorious chance to bag an equaliser straight after the restart as Ben Doherty fired straight at Chris Johns from Jamie Glackin’s cross. That miss would be compounded by Linfield doubling their lead two minutes later as Jordan Stewart evaded two challenges before arrowing into the back of the net.

The Stripes needed an instant response and they would threaten on 56 minutes as Doherty fired over the crossbar from close range after good build-up play from Eoin Bradley, with Stephen Fallon testing Gareth Deane on two occasions at the other end.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We had a few players who we could have put on the bench against Ballymena United but it would have put them no further forward as they are at the point where they are ready to train,” Kearney said.

“They were left with a session with Alan Millar and I’m hopeful that will improve our numbers for Saturday.

“It is always a tough game at Windsor Park but one we will be ready for.”

Admission:

Supporters are not permitted inside the stadium due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

However, the fixture will be shown live on BBC Sport NI and via the Red Button.

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