A Christmas cracker is expected as the Bannsiders host the annual Boxing Day derby when Ballymena United visit the Ballycastle Road this afternoon (KO 3pm)…
SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP
Overview:
Due to a prior re-arrangement of fixtures, Coleraine were not in action last weekend which means their last game was a 3-0 defeat to Linfield on December 14. The Bannsiders currently find themselves 8th in the Premiership standings ahead of their last two games of 2024 against today’s opponents Ballymena United and Loughgall.
Ballymena United secured a 3-2 win away at Loughgall last weekend as Andy Scott, Calvin McCurry and Ben Kennedy all found the back of the net. The victory at Lakeview Park came at a cost as Josh Carson and Kennedy were dismissed for two yellow cards, meaning they will be absent for today’s game. The Sky Blues are 6th in the league standings and will take on Ards in the fifth round of the Irish Cup.
Previous Meetings:
Coleraine would pick up their first win of the season as they celebrated a 4-2 success against their derby rivals in August. Both teams scored in the first-half as Jack Scott’s opener for Coleraine was cancelled out by Johnny McMurray’s clever finish. After Jamie Glackin regained the Stripes’ advantage, the midfielder would then be sent off in an off-the-ball incident that resulted in Ben Kennedy making it 2-2 from the spot. However, Dean Shiels’ side would kick on and made it 3-2 through Rhyss Campbell’s close range finish, with Matthew Shevlin confirming the win with a late strike from Lyndon Kane’s cut back.
In October, Rhyss Campbell’s header proved to be the difference at the Ballymena Showgrounds. Both teams would have chances in the opening 45 minutes as Dylan Boyle, Jamie McGonigle and Ciaron Harkin all had sights of goal for the Bannsiders, whilst Max Little was called into action at the other end to thwart Kym Nelson and Josh Carson. Minutes after he went close to scoring, Campbell would go one better just after the hour mark as he cleverly headed Harkin’s cut-back into the net. The Sky Blues hit the crossbar through Aaron Jarvis with a little less than 15 minutes as Coleraine held firm for the derby day spoils.
Head Coach’s Thoughts:
“It’s a big fixture which means a lot to me and a lot to the players – but especially the fans,” Shiels said.
“For us to beat them three times before the New Year would be big and that’s the carrot.
“We know it’s going to be difficult, we know they’ve had some good results and we’re going to have to be right on it to get something.
“The motivation is there. There’s no bigger game than Boxing Day at home on the fixture card and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Officials:
The match referee will be Ben McMaster.
The assistant referees are John Doherty and Ryan Kelsey.
Steven Gregg has been selected as the fourth official.
Sponsors:
The match sponsor is JW Service Centre.
Roy Robinson and Sandy Arthur have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.
The mascots this afternoon are Archie, Danny, Florence, James, Joel, Jonah, Josh, Karter, Kyle, Mia, Zac, Leo, George, Oliver.
The Man of the Match award will be sponsored by Holley Optometrists.
Admission:
Season tickets are valid for the fixture, although, non-season ticket holders will require matchday tickets for the fixture which can be bought in the Club Shop (100 left).
Ballymena United fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.
Due to a good expected at The Showgrounds, we encourage both sets of supporters to arrive at the ground in good time HERE.
As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).