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Bannsiders expecting ‘Ard examination

COLERAINE are on the road this weekend as they make the trip to the Bangor Fuels Arena to take on Ards (KO 3pm)…

Last weekend, the Bannsiders sealed a 2-0 win over derby rivals Ballymena United thanks to goals from Eoin Bradley and Darren McCauley. That result – coupled with Crusaders’ defeat to Cliftonville – means Coleraine have cut the gap at the top of the table to two points.

Then, in midweek, the Stripes welcomed Glentoran to The Showgrounds in the quarter-final of the Tennent’s Irish Cup. The only goal arrived in the first-half from McCauley as Coleraine held on to secure a semi-final clash with Larne at the end of the month.

The Bannsiders have taken maximum points from their two meetings against Ards this season as Coleraine earned a 3-0 success in September via goals from Josh Carson and McCauley (2). In November, Ards travelled to the North Coast but suffered a 4-1 defeat as Gareth McConaghie (2), Carson and Martin Smith netted in a routine win.

Oran Kearney will be without the services of Stephen Dooley and James McLaughlin through injury and is expecting a difficult game this weekend at the Bangor Fuels Arena.

“Ards had a great result last weekend and they’re in a position where they are safe,” Kearney said.

“That gives them that freedom to go and attack teams.

“I believe that their performance was very good against the Mallards, so we are expecting a difficult game.

“We never get it easy down there, but we will go there to win all three points.”

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