Burns in Contention

COLERAINE will be hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Linfield as they make the trip to Seaview this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

The Bannsiders held a two-goal advantage at the National Stadium via goals from Gareth McConaghie and Dean Shiels, but slipped to a defeat as a strong second-half performance from the Blues earned all three points. The opposition were also ruing a loss as Dougie Wilson’s header helped Dungannon Swifts to success.

This will be the third clash between the two sides this season and the Stripes have collected maximum points so far. In what was Oran Kearney’s last game in charge, Coleraine ran out 3-0 winners in September in front of the Sky cameras, before Rodney McAree picked up his first win as Bannsiders boss when Gareth McConaghie’s free-kick settled matters at The Showgrounds. Stephen Baxter’s side currently occupy 3rd spot in the Danske Bank Premiership – eight points ahead of Coleraine.

Boss Rodney McAree will be without the services of Lyndon Kane, Aaron Traynor, Alexander Gawne and Josh Carson through injury. However, the squad has been boosted by the return of Aaron Burns as the attacker is now ready for first-team selection. Speaking ahead of the game, McAree has urged his players to not repeat the mistakes from last weekend.

“We have to learn from our mistakes, we need more leaders and more players that want to stand up and take responsibility for things going on on the pitch,” he said.

“We need people who can guide others and bring them into the right positions and keep us nice and compact and withstand a little bit of pressure and then get us back in the game.”

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

Supporters are reminded that they can purchase tickets prior to the fixture HERE – however a cash turnstile will be in operation.