Carri-on Defence

COLERAINE continue their defence of the BetMcLean League Cup trophy as they travel to Carrick Rangers this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

BetMcLean League Cup Third Round

Overview:

Coleraine made it seven games unbeaten in all competitions after Friday night’s scoreless draw against Glenavon at The Showgrounds. The Bannsiders would enjoy plenty of chances in both halves but they were unable to find a way past James Taylor as they had to settle for a share of the spoils. Oran Kearney’s men are the current holders of the competition and reached the third round after a 5-0 success against Bangor.

Carrick Rangers were in action last weekend in a 4-0 defeat away to Linfield. Despite that setback, Stuart King’s side have made a good start to the Premiership campaign as they currently sit in 6th spot in the table and have produced positive results against Glenavon and Larne. The East Antrim club defeated Dergview after extra-time in the previous round.

Previous meetings:

The two clubs met each other in early September as Coleraine went into the contest after losing their first two league games of the campaign. After making a strong start, the Bannsiders would take the lead in fortuitous circumstances as Conor McKendry’s cross inadvertently went into the net. Just before the half-time whistle, the hosts would be reduced to ten men as Jim Ervin received his marching orders for bringing down Matthew Shevlin. Oran Kearney’s men used the extra man to their advantage after the break as Shevlin notched a deadly double to make it a 3-0 win for the Stripes.

The fixture will mark the fourth time the two clubs have been paired in the competition as Coleraine ran out 4-0 winners in 1987-88, but Carrick would get their revenge in 1998-99 with a 2-1 success. The last contest was in 2008/09 as Coleraine won 8-4 on aggregate across two legs.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“The Cup is ours and we are the last winners of it,” Kearney said.

“We have held on to it a bit longer than normal due to COVID and all that goes with it.

“However, there is a lot of pride and a lot of good memories from that.

“We want to keep a hold of it and there’s no tougher place to go on a Wednesday night than Carrick.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Ross Dunlop.

The assistant referees are Ryan Kelsey and Bogdan Sfirloaga.

Glenn Buchanan has been selected as the fourth official.

Admission:

Admission will be via a cash gate with prices set at £12 adults and £8 concessions.

If you are not feeling yourself this evening and you have symptoms which you feel are similar to COVID-19, please stay away from the stadium and think of others.

If you have access to a lateral flow/PCR test at home, we would encourage you to check yourself before coming to the game.

If you have been in contact with a positive case and haven’t yet been contacted by track and trace, please do not come to the game.

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