Christmas Derby

COLERAINE and Ballymena United will meet for the second derby day fixture of the season at The Showgrounds tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders put in a spirited performance at Solitude but suffered their third loss of the season as Conor McMenamin’s header was the difference in North Belfast. That defeat means Oran Kearney’s troops now sit in fourth spot in the Danske Bank Premiership ahead of a busy run of fixtures. The Sky Blues have been on a good run of form late after winning their last three games, including a late 2-1 win against Glenavon last time out.

Recent meetings:

The two sides met each other back in September and it would be Coleraine who would take an early lead as James McLaughlin swept home from close range. However, the Bannsiders would suffer a blow midway through the half as Stephen O’Donnell was sent-off for a second bookable offence. The home side would make their numerical advantage count as Scot Whiteside would convert from a header to level the scores. Both sides would squander big chances to register all three points, with Coleraine reduced to nine men as Adam Mullan received a second yellow card.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“As a player and as a manager over the years I have lots of big memories from big Boxing Day matches,” Kearney said.

“This one is well setup for another classic and it is important now that we dust ourselves down.

“We’re not going to walk about with the lip out it is important now that we kick on and get ready for Boxing Day.”

Admission:

Supporters with season tickets are advised that they can enter the ground using their cards.

However, fans with matchday cards will require tickets to enter the ground. These will be on sale from the Club Shop from 10am tomorrow morning right through to kick-off.

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

For more information, please see the following link HERE.

Supporters are reminded that the car park will close at 2pm, with a Q&A session taking place with two former legends in the Club 1927 Lounge around 2:20pm HERE.

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