Derby Day

COLERAINE travel to Warden Street aiming to maintain their challenge at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders cut the gap at the top of the table to four points on Tuesday night as goals from Stewart Nixon and James McLaughlin sealed a 2-1 success against Glenavon on Tuesday night. That result means Coleraine have won their last eight fixtures in all competitions as they eye further success this season. The hosts have had a poor start to 2020 with a draw against Cliftonville being their solitary point this decade, however, they have progressed to the semi-final of the Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup and will face Coleraine at the end of this month.

Recent meetings:

The first meeting this season ended in a 1-1 draw in Ballymena as Coleraine hit the front through James McLaughlin’s close range finish. After McLaughlin went narrowly close to doubling his tally, the game would take a momentum twist as Stephen O’Donnell received a second yellow for a challenge on Aaron Burns. The Sky Blues would make their extra man count before the interval as Scot Whiteside headed home from a corner. Incredibly, Coleraine would end the game with nine men as Adam Mullan was also dismissed for a second bookable offence.

On Boxing Day, Coleraine went in search for all three points and made a perfect start on 10 minutes as Josh Carson found the back of the net with a crisp effort from just outside the box. That advantage would be doubled seven minutes later as Eoin Bradley was denied by the Ballymena goalkeeper, but Jamie Glackin was on hand to guide the ball into an empty net. In a subdued second-half, the only talking point was a red card given to United ‘keeper Jordan Willamson who handled the ball outside the box.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We will recover and get ready to go for another big game,” Kearney said.

“Derbies are derbies and they’ve been big games this season and in the last few years.

“We know it’s going to take another big performance to get the win.”

Admission:

Admission prices have been set at £12 adults and £8 concessions.

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