Match Preview

Coleraine ready for Cliftonville encounter

COLERAINE welcome Cliftonville to The Showgrounds as the Bannsiders host their first league game of the season (KO 7:45pm)…

Oran Kearney’s men picked up all three points from their opening Danske Bank Premiership fixture against Dungannon Swifts last weekend via second-half strikes from Ciaron Harkin, Stephen O’Donnell and Ian Parkhill. Meanwhile, there was also opening day joy for Cliftonville as they defeated Ards 6-3 at Solitude.

The Stripes suffered two defeats against the Reds last season, but won the last encounter in April as a brace from Darren McCauley helped Coleraine to a 2-0 victory on the Ballycastle Road.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney will be without the services of Lyndon Kane, Gareth McConaghie, David Kee and James McLaughlin through injury. Steven Douglas’ dismissal at Stangmore Park rules him out through suspension, although David Ogilby is expected to return to the matchday panel.

“The fixtures come thick and fast and we are raring to go,” Kearney said.

“It is a difficult set of fixtures but we picked up all three points Dungannon and we need to kick on.

“Barry will obviously be raring to go after picking up a win in his first game as Cliftonville manager.

“But we have a strong squad here and we are looking forward to it.”

Supporters are reminded that they will not be able to pay their way into the fixture, see HERE.

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