Bannsiders hoping for a Swift start at The Showgrounds

COLERAINE welcome Dungannon Swifts to The Showgrounds as the Bannsiders aim to remain six points clear in the Danske Bank Premiership (KO 3pm)…

The Stripes sealed another three points last weekend as they dug deep to clinch a 3-1 victory over Carrick Rangers at the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena – the first win at the venue since 2015. First-half strikes from Ciaron Harkin and Brad Lyons, added to Jamie McGonigle’s rebound after the break was enough to earn all three points. The result means Coleraine lead the Irish Premiership table by six points ahead of this weekend’s clash.

Rodney McAree will be disappointed his Dungannon Swifts side failed to get anything from their game against Linfield last time out. The Swifts currently occupy 8th position in the table and will meet Crusaders in the semi-final of the BetMcLean.com League Cup next Tuesday night. The two sides met each other on the opening day of the season with 10-man Coleraine earning a 3-1 win at Stangmore Park after goals from Ciaron Harkin, Stephen O’Donnell and Ian Parkhill.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney will be without the services of Lyndon Kane, Eoin Bradley and James McLaughlin through injury. However, defender Stephen O’Donnell is available after serving a one-match ban. The Club can confirm that Josh Carson is eligible to play, but will miss next weekend’s visit to Ballinamallard United after picking up 5 yellow cards.

The Swifts boast a decent record at The Showgrounds, but Kearney insists his players will remain focused as they enter a crunch period of fixtures.

“We will be solely focused on winning all three points against Dungannon,” Kearney said.

“We hadn’t won down at Carrick for a couple of years, so records don’t really count an awful lot.

“It’s about making sure we arrive with the right attitude and mentality.

“Every single team in this league will bring their own problem and Carrick posed us a problem last weekend.

“Dungannon will look to do that like we will hope to bring them a problem.

“Like I’ve said loads of times, I’ve yet to see a team roll over and give you all three points.

“I don’t expect any games coming forward to be like that.”

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

Supporters are reminded that entry to the ground can only be accessed by a valid matchday card/season ticket.