Champions Visit

COLERAINE welcome reigning champions Linfield to The Showgrounds tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Oran Kearney’s men went top of the Danske Bank Premiership on goal difference last weekend after a 2-0 win against Crusaders. A brace of penalties from Ben Doherty would prove to be the difference as a hard working Coleraine went to the summit. As for the Blues, they are playing catch up after a memorable Europa League qualifying campaign and they celebrated back-to-back wins in the last seven days after a 2-1 success against Ballymena United, before inflicting a 7-0 rout on Warrenpoint Town.

Recent meetings:

Coleraine and Linfield locked horns at Windsor Park back in August as Oran Kearney earned his first win under his second spell in charge of the Bannsiders. The visitors broke the deadlock after just 14 seconds when Ben Doherty arrowed into the top corner, before the lead was doubled before the break as Ryan McGivern scored an own goal. Remarkably, Coleraine would go further clear as Stephen O’Donnell headed in at the back post. However, Linfield would ensure there would be a grandstand finish as Joel Cooper reduced the arrears with a driven free-kick, with Shayne Lavery heading home a second goal on 72 minutes. After surviving that setback, Coleraine regrouped and bagged a crucial fourth in stoppage time as Emmett McGuckin came off the bench to score on his debut.

Team News:

Coleraine boss Oran Kearney will be without the services of captain Stephen O’Donnell who remains injured.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“There are no easy fixtures and the games are brilliant,” Kearney said.

“I said through the week that these are the ones you look forward to in the league and next Saturday will be no different.

“The Showgrounds will be jam packed and there will be a big atmosphere and we got a good result at Windsor Park earlier in the year.

“It was well documented with them being in Europe and everything else but they have gone under the radar in the last few months.

“They are slowly but surely creeping their way up the table by winning their games in-hand.

“Their form is good and we know that we are going to need the same level of performance as we had against Crusaders if we are to get something out of the game.”

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).

A charity Big Breakfast will take place prior to kick-off and fans are urged to support a worthwhile cause HERE.