Final at Stake

COLERAINE will hope to book their spot in the final of the BetMcLean League Cup as they face Linfield this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

BetMcLean League Cup semi-final

Overview:

Coleraine suffered their second loss of the season last Saturday as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Institute. The Bannsiders were largely second best at The Brandywell and have slipped down to second in the table on goal difference. Oran Kearney’s side welcomed Adam Mullan back for the fixture and his return, plus the availability of Aaron Canning from suspension, will be a massive boost for the Stripes. Coleraine have beaten Annagh United, Glentoran and Dundela en-route to the semi-final. As for Linfield, they will be buoyed from back-to-back wins against Ballymena United and Larne, with the Blues beating Ballinamallard United, Dungannon Swifts and Cliftonville as they aim to retain the trophy.

Recent meetings:

This will be the third time that the two sides have met this season and Coleraine have enjoyed two wins so far. The first 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.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We are top of the league at this point in time,” said Oran.

“We’re right in the mix and what has happened in the past couple of weeks has happened.

“You don’t become a bad team overnight and you don’t lose it overnight.

“For us, we need to find a catalyst now, we need men, we need people who are going to step up to the plate and not shirk responsibility and try to look round and look at other people.

“We need men to really stand up now and put us back on track again,” he added.

“I can guarantee that if they go out and put in a performance like that on Tuesday they’ll get their eye well and truly wiped.

“The other hope is that we spring out of this and get out the other side with a big performance at Windsor.”

Admission:

Supporters are advised that they will need a match ticket to enter the ground and these will be on sale from the Club Shop this afternoon from 2pm to 7pm.

However, fans can also purchase a ticket at Windsor Park.

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