Match Preview

Building Momentum

COLERAINE will hope to make it back-to-back wins as they host North-West neighbours Institute tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Stripes recorded their first win of the season last weekend as goals from Ben Doherty, Ryan McGivern (OG), Stephen O’Donnell and Emmett McGuckin helped defeat Linfield at Windsor Park. As for Stute, they have lost their opening three games, including last weekend’s defeat to Carrick Rangers at The Brandywell.

Recent meetings:

The two sides faced each other three times last season and there very little to choose between them. The first fixture was in August 2018 and the visitors had a half-time lead through Dean Curry but the game turned on its head when Jamie McGonigle and Brad Lyons put Coleraine ahead. There would be one final twist as Michael McCrudden kept his cool from the spot to register a 2-2 draw. The second clash was at the Brandywell and Coleraine registered all three points as a deadly brace from Darren McCauley in the first-half was enough to secure a success, despite Joe McCready pulling a goal back for the hosts. They also locked horns in March in a low key affair but Aaron Jarvis’ 90th minute winner separated them as Institute retained their Danske Bank Premiership status. There was also a clash last month during pre-season action as goals from Jamie McGonigle, Stephen O’Donnell, Caleb Wan and Jack Bradley sealed a 4-0 win at The Showgrounds.

Team News:

Bannsiders boss Oran Kearney will once again be without the services of James McLaughlin through suspension, with Aaron Traynor also continuing his rehabilitation from ACL injury. There was a boost in the win against Linfield as Ian Parkhill shrugged off a knock to feature from the bench.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“You never feel the season is up and running until you get the first win,” Kearney said.

“As much as we’ve been picking up points and we’re unbeaten the key thing was to try and come out of that tough first week with six points, that’s what I was aiming for.

“We’re sitting on five, but the way the week has gone we’re more than happy to take the five.

“We’ve got three points for the win against Linfield and that’s all it is and there’s now three points available tomorrow and it’s important we go and get them.”

Admission:

Supporters are reminded that entry is via valid matchday cards/season tickets only.

Admission for using a matchday card is £12 adults, £8 concessions.

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