Blues Visit

LINFIELD are the visitors to The Showgrounds as the Bannsiders aim to bounce back from Tuesday night’s defeat to Crusaders (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders suffered a second defeat of the season last Tuesday as a header from Jordan Owens was the difference against Crusaders at Seaview. The result means Coleraine have taken seven points from their opening five fixtures.

Due to international call-ups, the Blues weren’t in action last Tuesday but the reigning champions have made a superb start to the season as they have recorded four wins from four. David Healy’s men have brought in Chris Johns (Coleraine), Conor Pepper (Linfield), Navid Nasseri (Linfield) and Christy Manzinga (Motherwell) during the summer transfer window.

Recent meetings:

The two sides clashed on four occasions last season with Coleraine winning three and the other ending in a draw. The first clash was back in August as the Bannsiders ran out 4-2 winners at the National Stadium courtesy of goals from Ben Doherty, an own goal, Stephen O’Donnell and Emmett McGuckin. Then, in October, a late own goal by Mark Stafford would prove to be the difference as Coleraine edged out the Blues on the Ballycastle Road.

In December, Coleraine would travel to Windsor Park in the League Cup and booked their spot in the final after a 3-0 win via goals from Aaron Canning, Ben Doherty and Aaron Jarvis. The final meeting would prove to be the Bannsiders’ final match of the decade as Aaron Canning’s header rescued a point after Stephen Fallon netted an opener.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“With Linfield’s scheduled game against Glentoran on Tuesday night having been called off they maybe have an advantage with the extra time to rest but we love a challenge and we will have as much fire in our belly as possible,” said Kearney.

“The one thing you can’t fault our players for is attitude and endeavour.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and there are three points available every weekend – there is a tiny amount of the league gone and a huge amount of the league to go.

“We just try to look after what is in front of us. I don’t think we have been at our strongest yet this season but we have picked up enough points, although we should probably have picked up a few more.

“It’s not a huge concern for us at this point in time. There are a few guys we’d like to nurse back and get on the pitch again.

“We have to make sure we knuckle down these next few weeks and drive through it.”

Admission:

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, admission will be via ticket only with all tickets SOLD OUT.

Supporters who are attending are urged to read the following safety information HERE

Coleraine TV will be streaming the match live with full instructions HERE

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