Gr-Eight Expectations

A spot in the final four of the BetMcLean League Cup is up for grabs as Coleraine host Glentoran at The Showgrounds this evening (KO 7:45PM)…

BetMcLean League Cup Quarter-Final

Overview:

Coleraine come into the fixture after making it ten games unbeaten in the Danske Bank Premiership after a goalless draw against Carrick Rangers at the Loughview Leisure Arena. That result means Oran Kearney’s men now sit in 4th spot in the table. The Stripes – who are the current holders of the competition – have beaten Bangor and Carrick Rangers on route to the last eight.

Glentoran are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions and goals from Conor McMenamin and Patrick McClean sealed a 2-1 win over Warrenpoint Town at The Oval on Saturday. Mick McDermott’s side occupy 5th spot in the standings and beat Banbridge Town and Glenavon to reach the quarter-final stage.

Previous meetings:

The two sides clashed last month in the Danske Bank Premiership in what would turn out to be an entertaining affair in East Belfast. The deadlock was broken on 15 minutes as Conor McKendry let fly from distance but the game would turn on its head as a quick fire double from Jay Donnelly allowed Glentoran to take the lead. However, the Bannsiders grabbed a share of the spoils with ten minutes to go as Cathair Friel pounced from Lyndon Kane’s strong run to make it two goals apiece – with Aaron McCarey dismissed following an off-the-ball incident with his own player.

Coleraine and Glentoran are no strangers to meeting each other in the competition as the Bannsiders were 2-1 victors in 2019-20, with the Glens going through via spot kicks a year earlier. There was also a 2-1 win for Coleraine in 2011/12 with Glentoran lifting the League Cup against the Stripes back in 2009/10.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We’ve said it before in the previous rounds, we’re the holders and glad to be holding the trophy,” Kearney said.

“With that, there’s more of a vested interest in wanting to do well and get to the final again.

“Any time we’ve played Glentoran in the last couple of years the games have been tough and ding-dong affairs and I wouldn’t expect Tuesday to be any different.

“We know that Glentoran will be hungry to do well but for us it’s a big opportunity to try and get into the semi-final.

“The fans are massively important and hopefully we get a good turn out on Tuesday.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Raymond Crangle.

The assistant referees are Stephen Bell and Bogdan Sfirloaga.

Shane McGonigle has been allocated as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Newbridge Restaurant.

Causeway Credit Union has kindly sponsored the match ball.

The mascot for the evening will be Dylan Stinson who has 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.

Glentoran 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).