Journey Start

COLERAINE begin their Irish Cup campaign as they host Windmill Stars tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup First Round

Overview:

The Bannsiders were not in action on New Year’s Day as their game against Warrenpoint Town was postponed in line with NIFL’s COVID case policy. As such, in their last contest, Coleraine would suffer back-to-back defeats in the Premiership as they went down to Ballymena United on Boxing Day +1. The Bannsiders would move level as James McLaughlin cancelled out Paul McElroy’s opener, and just when it looked like Coleraine would be frustrated at not taking all three points, they would leave empty handed as David Parkhouse stabbed home at the back post.

Windmill Stars are currently 7th in the Mid-Ulster Intermediate A League table and are managed by Kieran McCourt. The Newry based side – who several former Irish League names in their ranks – have beaten Bangor Amateurs, Dungiven Celtic, Tobermore United and Armagh City en route to the First Round.

Previous meetings:

This will be the first ever meeting between the two clubs.

Coleraine were beaten in the first round stage of the competition last season as Paul Heatley’s strike sent Crusaders through.

The Bannsiders are six-time winners of the Irish Cup, with their last triumph coming in 2018.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It is great to look forward to a game after the postponement on New Year’s Day,” Kearney said.

“We want to progress in the Cup and we won’t be taking Windmill Stars lightly.

“We will give them respect, like we do with all teams, and see where it takes us.”

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Carmichael Cars, Ballymoney.

Nevin Brewster and Rodney Greer, and Robert McKane have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots tomorrow afternoon will be Rebekah, Georgia, Steven, Frankie, Leo, Charley and Joe and they will have the honour of leading out the team. The Club kindly asks all mascots to be outside the Club Shop for 2pm sharp and to wrap up warm.

The Man of the Match award will be sponsored by Holley Optometrists.

Admission:

Season tickets are NOT valid for the fixture, meaning everyone attending will require matchday tickets for the fixture which can be bought online HERE.

Windmill Stars fans will also need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.

If you are attending the Social Club or Club 1927 Lounge, you will need to avail of the new COVID regulations 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).