Ding dong battle expected

COLERAINE are at home for the first time this year as Crusaders are the visitors to The Showgrounds this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders made a strong start to 2020 by back-to-back wins against Carrick Rangers in the Danske Bank Premiership and Glenavon in the Irish Cup. The victory against the Lurgan Blues means Coleraine have a sixth round tie against Banbridge Town early next month. Due to being cup tied, January signing Matthew Fitzpatrick was unable to take part at Mourneview Park but he is in line to make his debut if selected this evening. Crusaders were also victorious on New Year’s Day against Warrenpoint Town, before sealing a 3-0 win against Dundela in the Irish Cup. The two clubs will become familiar with each other as they face off in the League Cup final on February 15.

Recent meetings:

Coleraine have recorded maximum points from their two fixtures against Crusaders this season, with the first ending up in a 4-2 win at The Showgrounds. After Jamie McGonigle gave Crusaders the lead, Coleraine would respond and go 2-1 ahead through Ben Doherty and an own goal from Jordan Owens. The Stripes would extend their advantage after the break through Jamie Glackin and Eoin Bradley as Christopher Hegarty netted a late consolation for the visitors. In October, Coleraine would leave Seaview with a victory courtesy of two penalties from Ben Doherty.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It’s a huge game and our matches with Crusaders are always ding dong battles,” Kearney said.

“I’d expect tonight to be no different.

“We’re through the rut of games that we wanted to get through and we’re happy with our output and what we’ve achieved.

“The key thing is to get those batteries charged again so we can kick on for the next part of the season.”

Admission:

Supporters with season tickets are advised that they can enter the ground using their cards.

Admission for using a matchday card is £12 adults, £8 concessions.

The match is live on BBC Two Northern Ireland and online.

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