Football is Back

COLERAINE are in action for the first time in 2021 as Carrick Rangers are the visitors to The Showgrounds (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine were not in action over the festive period due to restrictions imposed by the Northern Ireland Executive. However, Oran Kearney’s men are chasing a hat-trick of victories after recording wins against Warrenpoint Town and Cliftonville. The Bannsiders currently occupy 7th position in the table and Matthew Shevlin is in line to make his debut after signing from Linfield.

The visitors have lost their three games against Ballymena United, Warrenpoint Town and Glentoran. The Amber Army are in last position un the table but have several games in hand. Meanwhile, striker Alexander Gawne is unable to play tomorrow afternoon due to being on loan.

Previous meetings:

The two sides met three times last season and the Stripes would record maximum points from those contests. In October last year, Coleraine took the lead through Eoin Bradley’s close range finish, but they were pegged back minutes later as Caolan Loughran netted from the spot. Just as the game looked destined to finish all square at the break, Coleraine regained the lead as Nedas Maciulaitis’ effort deflected in off Loughran for an own goal. The Stripes sealed all three points after the break through Aaron Jarvis’ header and Aaron Traynor’s first goal for the club.

A month later, Carrick twice took the lead at The Showgrounds in the first-half – either side of a James McLaughlin equaliser – through Lloyd Anderson and Sachem. However, the Bannsiders responded and levelled through Ben Doherty’s spot kick, before Alexander Gawne was introduced off the bench to bag a late winner.

On New Year’s Day, Coleraine would triumph in East Antrim as Aaron Traynor once again scored against his former club in the first-half, with all three points secured late on through Alexander Gawne’s close range finish.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It is great to be back in action after missing out over the festive fixtures,” Kearney said.

“We want to kick on after back-to-back wins and training has been super.

“We know it will be a tough game against a well-organised Carrick Rangers side.”

Admission:

Supporters are not permitted inside the stadium due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

However, the fixture will be shown live and can be purchased HERE

A full instructions of the ‘Live at The Showgrounds’ stream can be read HERE

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