Kearney aiming to keep players fresh

COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney highlighted the importance of ‘recharging the batteries’ as the Bannsiders host Warrenpoint Town tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine moved up to third in the Danske Bank Premiership on Tuesday night as a brace from Curtis Allen sealed a 2-0 win away to Carrick Rangers. The result also means the Bannsiders are eleven matches unbeaten ahead of another busy week of action.

Warrenpoint haven’t been in action since February 16 as Thomas Maguire’s strike earned them a share of the spoils against Dungannon Swifts at Milltown. Barry Gray’s side currently sit 9th spot in the table having played 17 games. The Point were busy adding to their squad in January as Daniel Byrne, Adam Evans, Thomas Maguire (loan) and Brandon Doyle (loan) all made switches.

Previous meetings:

The two sides would meet back in December as the Bannsiders went into the fixture on the back of four successive defeats.

The deadlock was broken just before the half hour mark as Evan Tweed found Doherty inside the box and the midfielder stroked home his ninth goal of the season. Just before the break, that lead was nearly doubled as Gabriel Sava produced a top save to deny Gareth McConaghie’s free-kick.

In a dramatic final ten minutes, the visitors would be reduced to ten men as Sava was dismissed for an off the ball incident. However, that wouldn’t deter Barry Gray’s troops as they found an equaliser on 89 minutes through Stuart Hutchinson’s close range finish.

Just when it looked like the game would end in a draw, the Bannsiders would find a last minute winner as James McLaughlin played through Nixon who found the bottom corner.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It will be a tough game,” Kearney said.

“With the way the fixtures have gone and everything else, it will be our fourth game in 12 days and their second game in 12 days through no fault of their own.

“It brings the issue of keeping everyone fresh so we are nice and vibrant on the pitch.

“Those are the challenges that lie ahead of us so it’s now about recharging the batteries for tomorrow.”

Admission:

Supporters are not permitted inside the stadium due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

However, the fixture will be shown live and can be purchased HERE

A full instructions of the stream can be read HERE

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