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COLERAINE will have home advantage for the first time in six matches as Crusaders are the visitors to The Showgrounds this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

The Bannsiders suffered derby defeat against Ballymena United last weekend as Leroy Millar’s first-half strike settled matters on Warden Street. That result means the Bannsiders will finish in 6th position in the Danske Bank Premiership. As for the Crues, they will look to bounce back after suffering defeat to rivals Cliftonville at Solitude last Saturday.

Coleraine boss Rodney McAree will see his side fall once again to suspensions as Adam Mullan finishes the last fixture of his two match ban, with Josh Carson also forced to now sit out two games, as well as Stephen O’Donnell who misses one fixture after accumulating five yellows. There is a boost as defender Gareth McConaghie is now available after a ban, but there is no such joy for Lyndon Kane, Aaron Traynor, Aaron Burns, Stephen Lowry and Alexander Gawne who all miss out through injury.

McAree has challenged his troops to use the hurt and disappointment from the derby defeat to bag all three points against Stephen Baxter’s men.

“Everybody will be hurt and disappointed but it’s important we pick ourselves up and go again this evening,” he said.

“Anyone who doesn’t pick themselves up for tonight won’t be a part of it.

“It will be nice to get back to The Showgrounds as we haven’t been there for quite a while.

“We will be doing our upmost to put in a performance to give something back to the supporters as they will be hurting from the Ballymena defeat and rightly so.”

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

Supporters are reminded that entry is via valid matchday cards/season tickets only. The Club Shop will be open right up until kick-off for cards to be topped-up.