Bragging Rights

COLERAINE and Ballymena United are set to lock horns in a bid to earn the Boxing Day derby bragging rights (KO 3pm)…

The Stripes will look to make it two wins from two after clinching a 2-1 win over Dungannon Swifts last time out. A first-half penalty from Darren McCauley, added to James McLaughlin’s strike after the break sealed all three points for Rodney McAree’s men. As for the Sky Blues, they currently top the Danske Bank Premiership table by four points after registering a 2-0 success against Ards.

This will be second meeting between the two sides this season after the first ended in a 2-2 draw in September. The Bannsiders would trail 2-1 at the break as goals from Tony Kane and Andy McGrory had the visitors in the lead, but the 10-men responded to earn a share of the spoils as Stephen O’Donnell headed home.

The Irish Cup holders will check the fitness of Aaron Burns and Stephen O’Donnell who are carrying knocks, with Aaron Traynor a long-term absentee. Speaking ahead of the fixture, boss McAree is relishing his first Boxing Day outing as Bannsiders boss.

“They have gone on an extremely long unbeaten run, they going extremely well and sitting at the top of the league,” he said.

“It’s going to be an extremely difficult game but Boxing Day derbies are unpredictable and we will certainly go there and compete.

“We are looking forward to it and it should be an exciting game.”

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

Supporters are reminded that entry is via match tickets only.