Bannsiders hoping for a return to winning ways

COLERAINE will aim to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat to Linfield as they welcome Ards to The Showgrounds (KO 7:45pm)…

The Stripes suffered their first loss of the season against Linfield last weekend after a sluggish first-half performance at Windsor Park. Despite creating numerous opportunities in the second-half, the Bannsiders couldn’t find an equaliser as David Healy’s men secured all three points. However, despite suffering their first loss of the season, Coleraine are still top of the Danske Bank Premiership by two points.

As for the visitors, they also suffered defeat as they fell to a 1-0 loss at home to Cliftonville. Colin Nixon’s men have lost their last three league games and currently occupy 10th place in the table. In the previous meeting between the two teams this season, it was Coleraine who ran out worthy winners at the Bangor Fuels Arena. After a scoreless first-half, the Bannsiders seized control and claimed all three points via strikes from Darren McCauley (2) and Josh Carson.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney will be without the services of Lyndon Kane, Brad Lyons, Eoin Bradley and James McLaughlin through injury. The boss is expecting a ‘response’ from his players, but knows his side will face a difficult match against Ards.

“Nobody is invincible in football. We lost three points last week – no more, no less,” said Kearney.

“On another day we could have got something from that game.

“We did not start well and it took us until half-time to get to grips with the game.

“It is up to the players now to produce a response in what will be a tough match against Ards.

“We have to learn the lesson that you can’t turn up for half a game and take that into Tuesday.

“A lot was made about the unbeaten record by those outside the dressing room.

“But inside, it was not discussed. It was just about getting three points from the next game.”

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

Supporters are reminded that they can only enter the ground via a valid season ticket/matchday card. No cash turnstile will be in operation.

The draw for the winning home and away poppy shirts will be made at half-time. Coleraine FC would like to thank supporters for their donations to a worthy cause.