COLERAINE and Ballymena United renew acquaintances for the third time this season at The Showgrounds tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders haven’t been in action since February 15 after last weekend’s fixture against Warrenpoint Town was postponed due to an unplayable pitch. Therefore, that means the Stripes’ last competitive game was a 2-1 win against the same opposition as Oran Kearney’s men sit in sixth spot in the table. The derby day clash marks a busy run of fixtures for Coleraine as they face Larne, Cliftonville (twice) and Crusaders in the next few weeks.

United are unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions and they were involved in an entertaining 3-3 draw against Glenavon last time out. A late equaliser from Paul McElroy would earn the Sky Blues a share of the spoils as they remain 7th in the Premiership standings. David Jeffrey’s side face Larne in the quarter-final of the Irish Cup and they drafted in Sean O’Neill, Ciaran Gallagher, Kym Nelson, Mikey Place and Mal Smith during the January transfer window.

Previous meetings:

The two clubs faced each other at the end of September in what was the Bannsiders’ first game on the artificial surface at The Showgrounds. Coleraine would take the lead on the half hour mark as the ball wasn’t cleared by the Ballymena defence and Matthew Shevlin was in the right place at the right time to convert from close range. The lead would be doubled in fine style on 74 minutes as Eoin Bradley’s long range effort left Jordan Williamson with no chance, before Cathair Friel was introduced from the bench to devastating affect as he added a late third.

On Boxing Day +1, Coleraine would be the visitors for the festive day fixture on Warden Street. The deadlock would be broken early doors as Paul McElroy latched onto Kenny Kane’s through ball to fire past Gareth Deane. After the break, Coleraine would dominate proceedings and got a deserved equaliser when James McLaughlin’s superb lob found the back of the net. Just when the Bannsiders thought they would leave with a draw, there would be late drama as David Parkhouse stabbed home from Brendan Barr’s cross.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We are looking forward to getting back out there after last weekend’s postponement,” Kearney said.

“It is a derby game and one we will be looking to win.

“They are always great occasions, especially if you pick up three points, and that’s what we are aiming for.

“We had a good ten days preparation for this and we are raring to go.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Andrew Davey.

The assistant referees are Ryan Kelsey and David Burns.

Keith Kennedy has been allocated as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsors are John Marshall, James Faulkner, William Knight, John Knight and Dessie Cox.

Andy Guthrie, Sammy Connor and Colin McPherson have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots tomorrow afternoon will be Nyloh, Samuel, Carter, Jake, Ethan, Ollie, Charlie and Olly and they 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.

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

Both sets of supporters are kindly asked to read the following matchday arrangements 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).