Home advantage key for Kearney

BetMcLean League Cup

Overview:

Coleraine come into tomorrow night’s BetMcLean League Cup tie in good form after securing all three points against Carrick Rangers last weekend. First-half strikes from Eoin Bradley and an own goal from Caolan Loughran had the Bannsiders well on their way, before Aaron Jarvis and Aaron Traynor sealed the win after the break. As for the visitors, they fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Cliftonville as Joe Gormley’s strike was the difference at The Oval.

Recent meetings:

This will be the second time the two sides have faced each other this season with the first ending in a 2-2 draw back in August. The Bannsiders had a 2-0 lead courtesy of Eoin Bradley and Aaron Canning, but James McLaughlin’s dismissal turned the game on its head as Hrvoje Plum and Paul O’Neill found the back of the net to earn the Glens a share of the spoils. Incidentally, Coleraine and Glentoran were drawn in the same round in last season’s competition, with Glentoran going through via penalty kicks.

Team News:

Coleraine boss Oran Kearney will once again be without the services of James McLaughlin and Stephen O’Donnell through injury. Furthermore, striker Nedas Maciulaitis will not be able to take part after appearing in the previous round for Annagh United against the Bannsiders. However, there is a boost to the squad as Aaron Canning and Emmett McGuckin are available for selection.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We had a ding-dong with them up there at the start of the season,” Kearney said.

“They’ve been full of spirit, they’re definitely an improved side and made strides this season.

“The League Cup is a competition that hasn’t been kind to us throughout the years, so it is one we would like to progress further in.

“Home advantage is the key thing for us and it’s important we go out and back up the win against Carrick Rangers with another big performance.”

Admission:

Supporters are reminded that entry is via a cash gate.

Admission has been set at £12 adults, £8 concessions.

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