COLERAINE face Ballinamallard United this evening as The Showgrounds hosts this year’s North West Senior Cup final (KO 8pm)…
EVENTSEC NORTH WEST SENIOR CUP FINAL
Overview:
Coleraine were beaten on Saturday in Premiership duty as missed chances cost the Bannsiders dear in a 2-0 loss at home to Crusaders. The result means Dean Shiels’ men failed to rise up the standings as they remain 8th in the table. The Bannsiders have beaten Moyola Park and Limavady United en-route to the final.
Ballinamallard United lost out away to H&W Welders in Championship duty on Saturday. The Mallards are currently managed by former Linfeld defender Mark Stafford and find themselves 10th in the league placings. The men from Co Fermanagh won the competition on two occasions and beat Maiden City and Institute to reach tonight’s final.
Previous Meetings:
Coleraine would reach the second round of the BetMcLean Cup after a 4-0 win at Ferney Park back in October. After a slow start to proceedings, the Bannsiders took the lead on 21 minutes as a great cross into the box by Corey Smith was rifled home by Matthew Shevlin. After Connor Murray and Dean Jarvis went close, Coleraine doubled their advantage five minutes before the break as Smith’s pass found Shevlin and the striker made no mistake with a devastating finish. Just before the hour mark, Coleraine went 3-0 ahead as Jamie McGonigle’s free-kick sailed into the top corner beyond Joel Elliot. With ten minutes remaining, McGonigle had his second goal of the evening to celebrate as he was in the right place at the right time to convert from Senan Devine’s cut-back.
Head Coach’s Thoughts:
“There’s an element of lads who are needing games,” Shiels said.
“Paddy Burns will come in and get minutes and Aidan Tejada is back from injury.
“We missed Dylan Boyle against Crusaders last weekend due to suspension and Jack Scott trained but got injured again last Thursday.
“There’s loads of players chomping for minutes and the game on Tuesday will provide that opportunity.”
Officials:
The match referee will be Declan Hassan.
The assistant referees are Darren Moran and Richard Hegarty.
Simon Mackay has been selected as the fourth official.
Sponsors:
The match sponsor is James Henry.
The mascot this evening is Jacob.
The Man of the Match award will be sponsored by Holley Optometrists.
Admission:
A cash gate will be in operation for the contest – £8 adults and £5 concessions.
Season tickets are not valid for the fixture.
As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).