Decade Ends

COLERAINE will bring a close to the decade with a home clash against league leaders Linfield at The Showgrounds (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders moved up to third spot in the Danske Bank Premiership yesterday afternoon after a 2-0 win against rivals Ballymena United. Early first-half goals from Josh Carson and Jamie Glackin sealed the success at a packed Ballycastle Road. As for Linfield, they were knocked off the top of the table by Cliftonville after a 3-0 defeat against Glentoran at The Oval. However, David Healy’s men will move back to the top if they win their games in hand.

Recent meetings:

This will be the fourth time the two clubs have clashed already this season and it is Coleraine who will be aiming to protect a 100% record against the Blues. The first clash was back in August as the Bannsiders ran out 4-2 winners at the National Stadium courtesy of goals from Ben Doherty, an own goal, Stephen O’Donnell and Emmett McGuckin. Then, in October, a late own goal by Mark Stafford would prove to be the difference as Coleraine edged out the Blues on the Ballycastle Road. Earlier this month, Coleraine would travel to Windsor Park in the League Cup and booked their spot in the final after a 3-0 win via goals from Aaron Canning, Ben Doherty and Aaron Jarvis.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“The only thing we can take out of the quick turnaround of games is that it’s the same for Linfield and all the teams,” Kearney said.

“There’s no point crying about being stiff or sore because it’s the same for all players in the league.

“You’re hoping the 44 hour recovery happens a little bit easier and quicker with the three points as opposed to not.

“Linfield is a club with big pressure and one defeat can be a travesty there, so we are well aware of them at the best of times, so with the hurt of defeat against Glentoran, I’m sure they’ll want to prove a point.

“The atmosphere against Ballymena was electric and it’s everything you want around the town and hopefully we can get everybody out tomorrow.”

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.

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