Home at Last

COLERAINE will have home advantage for the first time in over a month as the Bannsiders welcome Glenavon to The Showgrounds this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine made it seven successive wins in all competitions last Friday night as Eoin Bradley’s late strike earned the Bannsiders a semi-final berth in the Irish Cup for a fourth successive year.

Glenavon weren’t in action last weekend but their previous result at home to Glentoran will give Gary Hamilton’s outfit added confidence as they netted late to earn a share of the spoils against the East Belfast side.

Recent meetings:

Coleraine have come up against Gary Hamilton’s side on two occasions this season in the Danske Bank Premiership, with the Bannsiders winning both fixtures 4-0. In August, it would be the Bannsiders who would leave Mid-Ulster with all three points. After a cagey opening 45 minutes, the visitors would hit the front with the last action of the first-half as Stephen Lowry was on hand to find the back of the net from James McLaughlin’s lay off. Then, a minute into the second-half, the same combination would work wonders again as Lowry powered home his second of the evening. The win was secured with further strikes from Ben Doherty and a debut goal from Nedas Maciulaitis.

Two months later, Coleraine would hold a two-goal lead at the break via James McLaughlin as Glenavon defender Daniel Larmour was sent-off. Oran Kearney’s men would kill the game off after the break as James McLaughlin completed his hat-trick, before Ben Doherty netted from the spot.

In January, Glenavon would be drawn at home to Coleraine in the fifth round of the Irish Cup and it would be the Bannsiders who would reach the next round as Jamie Glackin scored after nine minutes, before the win was complete after the break as Eoin Bradley lobbed Jonathan Tuffey.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“Playing on the Friday night gives us an extra day’s rest with Glenavon not playing this weekend,” Kearney said.

“It’s important that we shelve the Larne game now and recharge the batteries.

“We crack on now with a massive game this evening.

“Over the last three or four weeks we’ve been approaching every game as a cup final.

“We’re down to that stage of the season that there is no gimmes or week’s were you can rest.

“We’ve nine or ten cup finals left and we’ve just got to hit everyone as hard as we can and try and accumulate as many points as we can.”

Admission:

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

Supporters are reminded that entry is via matchday cards/season tickets only.

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