COLERAINE go in search of back-to-back BetMcLean League Cup finals as they host Warrenpoint Town this evening (KO 8pm)… 

BetMcLean League Cup Semi-Final

Overview:

Coleraine slipped down to sixth in the Danske Bank Premiership standings after Saturday’s defeat to Glenavon at Mourneview Park. The Bannsiders would create several chances throughout the contest but were undone with less than ten minutes remaining as Matthew Snoddy struck for the hosts. The Bannsiders – who are the holders of the BetMcLean League Cup – have beaten Bangor, Carrick Rangers and Glentoran en route to the semi-final stage.

Warrenpoint Town will arrive at the Ballycastle Road full of confidence after drawing with Linfield at Windsor Park last Saturday. The Blues would hit the front through Christy Manzinga but it was quickly cancelled out by Jonathan Leddy’s strike. The ‘Point are currently bottom of the Premiership table but have a game in hand on Portadown who are directly above them. Barry Gray’s side have successfully navigated past Newry City, Loughgall and Limavady United in this year’s League Cup.

Previous meetings:

The two clubs met at the end of October at The Showgrounds as Coleraine netted once in each half to record maximum points. The Bannsiders would hit the front after just six minutes as a clever ball released the run of Matthew Shevlin who was clean through on goal. The striker – who beat the offside trap – had the vision to see the onrushing Conor Mitchell come off his line and he delicately lobbed the ball over the ‘Point stopper. On 24 minutes, Kearney’s men thought they had a second goal to celebrate as Lyndon Kane’s cross met Friel at the back post and the striker comfortably dispatched into the back of the net. The striker – who thought he was going to make it two goals in his last two games – would have his joy short lived as the lineman’s raised his flag for offside. The Stripes wouldn’t have to wait long to add to their tally after the break as Shevlin couldn’t miss for his second of the afternoon on 52 minutes. A great passage of football involving Friel and McKendry saw the winger crossing for the ex-Ballymena man who fired in his tenth goal of the campaign.

This will be the first ever meeting in the League Cup between Coleraine and Warrenpoint Town.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It’s a huge game,” Kearney said.

“It’s been a disappointing seven days taking in the second-half of last week and all of today (defeat to Glenavon) in relation to the manner of how we haven’t taken our chances and got three points.

“The League Cup is a competition we hold at this moment in time and there’s been a huge amount of work and effort that has got us this far.

“Warrenpoint have shown their strength in relation to the result they got against Linfield so we know we have to be a lot better in the final third of the pitch if we want to get through to the final.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Lee Tavinder.

The assistant referees are John Doherty and Bogdan Sfirloaga.

Ross Dunlop has been allocated as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Blair’s Holiday Parks.

James McCullagh and J. Calvin t/a W. Mitchell Car Body Repairs have kindly sponsored the match ball.

The mascots for this evening will be Bobby Blair, Danyl Hopkins, Faye Campbell and Elijah Gurney who will have the honour of leading out the team.

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

Admission:

Coleraine supporters are advised that season tickets are not valid for the fixture, meaning match day tickets will need to be bought to enter the stadium HERE.

Warrenpoint Town 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 Gerry Armstrong will be in the Social Club from 6pm this evening as he signs copies of his new book 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).