Crues Contest

COLERAINE continue a busy run of fixtures as Crusaders make the journey to The Showgrounds tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)… 

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine reached the final of the BetMcLean League Cup on Tuesday night as Matthew Shevlin (3), Conor McKendry, James McLaughlin and Jamie Glackin netted in the 6-1 against Warrenpoint Town at The Showgrounds. However, Oran Kearney’s men will be looking for a return to winning ways in the league after back-to-back defeats to Linfield and Glenavon. The Bannsiders currently occupy 6th spot in the table ahead of a busy run of fixtures.

Crusaders have won three out of their last five Premiership fixtures – including last weekend’s 4-0 success against Dungannon Swifts at Seaview. The Crues secured the points through goals from Josh Robinson, Ross Clarke and a brace from Ben Kennedy. Stephen Baxter’s men are in fifth spot in the standings and will face Glenavon in the first round of the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup.

Previous meetings:

Coleraine would make the trip to Crusaders earlier in the season as they pocketed all three points at Seaview back in October. A strong start by the visitors would be rewarded as Eoin Bradley’s turn and finish would find the bottom corner on ten minutes. The lead would be doubled just after the hour mark as Matthew Shevlin’s cross was headed into the net by the onrushing Josh Carson.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“The games are coming thick and fast and Christmas time is always like that,” Kearney said.

“Glentoran is one that’s there because of the Covid issue.

“That’s one that probably wouldn’t have been in the reckoning there but we’ll deal with it.

“The games are well enough spread out so we’re happy enough to go ahead with those games.

“Crusaders on Saturday, Glens on Wednesday and then on into Boxing Day.

“Hopefully that’s us through the difficult spell and back up and running again.

“We lost two games at the start of the season and we were able to kick on from there.

“We lost two games mid season so if we can kick on and go another run again undefeated that’s all we’ll try and do.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Steven Gregg.

The assistant referees are George Argyropoulos and Gavin Hegarty.

Tony Clarke has been allocated as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Triex-EV.

Jamie McNeill, from First for Travel, has kindly sponsored the match ball.

The mascots tomorrow afternoon will be Harry, James and Miles who will have the honour of leading out the team.

The Man of the Match award will be sponsored by Holley Optometrists.

Admission:

Season tickets are valid for the fixture, although, non-season ticket holders will require matchday tickets for the fixture which can be bought online HERE.

Crusaders fans will also need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.

If you are attending the Social Club or Club 1927 Lounge, you will need to avail of the new COVID regulations HERE.

A reminder that Mark Hateley and Jimmy Nicholl will be in the Social Club from 5:30pm for a Q&A event HERE.

If you are not feeling yourself tomorrow afternoon 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).