Follow the Leader

COLERAINE welcome leaders Linfield to The Showgrounds tomorrow afternoon as they hope to bounce back from the defeat against Glentoran (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders come into the fixture on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Glentoran on Tuesday night. The Stripes looked like getting a share of the spoils after Stephen O’Donnell’s header cancelled out Michael O’Connor’s opener but Conor McMenamin would have the final say as he in the right place at the right time to stab home. That result means Coleraine remain sixth in the table but Oran Kearney’s squad has been boosted by the arrival of Andrew Mitchell from Glentoran.

Linfield come into the fixture top of the league and they were also in action on Tuesday night as Ethan Devine’s header earned the Blues a draw against Cliftonville at Solitude. The Blues sit two points clear at the summit and will face Larne in the second round of the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup.

Previous meetings:

The two clubs met in September and the Bannsiders would provide the greater attacking threat in the first-half as Conor McKendry, Jamie Glackin and Aaron Traynor all threatened the Linfield goal. However, David Healy’s men would make the breakthrough on 64 minutes as Stephen Fallon picked up possession and cleverly picked out the run of Christy Manzinga. The striker would make no mistake from close range as he dinked the ball over the advancing Gareth Deane. Coleraine brought on Cathair Friel and he would turn goal provider on 85 minutes. The Limavady man would get the ball from Glackin’s flick on and squared to McKendry who unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner. Linfield thought they had bagged a late winner on 89 minutes as two substitutes would combine for the final opportunity of the contest. A clever reverse pass by Jordan Stewart released Billy Chadwick but he blazed wide with the goal at his mercy.

In December, Coleraine would have home advantage as Linfield rolled into town in front of a bumper crowd at The Showgrounds. The deadlock would be broken on 24 minutes as Rodney Brown headed in from Conor McKendry’s corner kick. However, that lead would be short lived as Linfield drew level on 38 minutes as Christy Manzinga was in the right place at the right time to fire the visitors level after Kirk Millar’s initial effort cannoned off the crossbar. The Blues would grab the decisive third goal of the contest in dramatic circumstances as the ball struck referee Tim Marshall who failed to stop play and Stephen Fallon took full advantage by finding the bottom corner. Oran Kearney’s side would have numerous chances after that to earn a share of the spoils but they couldn’t force a way past Chris Johns.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It’s a tough week, and whilst it’s a three-game week for everyone, when you have the Big Two mixed in amongst that as well it makes it even tougher,” Kearney said.

“That’s the whole reason why you’re in this league and what you want to be about.

“We’ll charge the batteries up and we’ll be ready for a big one on Saturday.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Steven Gregg.

The assistant referees are Ryan Kelsey and Ken Ross.

Ross Dunlop has been allocated as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Top of the Town Bar and Grill, Antrim.

James Henry and GMC Auto Repairs have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

We have twelve mascots tomorrow afternoon – Sam, Rhys, Jude, Freddie, Fionn, Aaliyah, Zach, Darragh, Noah, Alfie, Ethan and Dylan.

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.

Linfield fans will also need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased 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).