Matchday Guide: Ballymena United

COLERAINE are in action for the first time in ten days as they welcome Ballymena United to The Showgrounds this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine weren’t in action last weekend which means their last game was over ten days ago at Windsor Park as the Bannsiders were beaten by Linfield. Oran Kearney’s men are currently fifth in the table ahead of tonight’s fixtures in the Danske Bank Premiership. The game marks a busy week for the Stripes as they are also in the BetMcLean Cup final on Sunday. The Stripes will hope to get some injured bodies back to boost the squad for the challenges ahead.

Ballymena United secured a spot in the semi-final of the Irish Cup last weekend as they came from behind to beat Ballyclare Comrades at Dixon Park. Despite trailing 1-0, goals from Josh Kelly, Andy McGrory and David McDaid sealed a semi-final place against Larne at the start of next month. The Sky Blues are winless in their last eight Premiership fixtures and are currently 9th in the table as they bid to secure 7th spot and a potential European place.

Previous meetings:

The two clubs met in the second round of the BetMcLean Cup in October. A first-half would lack any real chances of note, however, Lyndon Kane and Kenny Kane both saw opportunities come and go at either end. The second-half would see Conor Keeley being expertly denied by Martin Gallagher, whilst his opposite number Sean O’Neill saved from Conor McKendry and Conor McDermott. However, Coleraine would be given the perfect opportunity to take the lead from the spot after Matthew Shevlin was brought down inside the area which resulted in Michael Place being sent-off. The resulting penalty kick was taken by Shevlin but he was thwarted by Sean O’Neill. With extra-time looming, Coleraine finally hit the front as Jamie Glackin’s cross was turned in at the back post by McKendry.

However, United would get their own back as they registered a 2-1 victory in the Premiership ten days later. On 16 minutes, the Sky Blues would take the lead as Redman’s free-kick was guided into the net by Michael Place, with Coleraine having a goal disallowed for offside three minutes later as Matthew Shevlin tapped home from Stephen O’Donnell’s knock down. The Stripes would have another chance as Sean O’Neill saved from Glackin inside the box with David McDaid going inches away from doubling the Sky Blues’ lead at the other end. However, on 64 minutes, Coleraine did draw level as Glackin’s shot was parried by O’Neill and Shevlin was in the right place at the right time to blast the ball into the net. This gave the visitors some momentum as James McLaughlin arrowed over after being spotted by Lynch. The game would turn on its head in the final ten minutes as Conor McDermott and Adam Mullan were both dismissed for two bookable offences and United would make their numerical advantage count as Redman planted a free-kick into the bottom corner in added time. At the death, Coleraine’s day would be summed up as Lyndon Kane’s close range strike was somehow clawed away by O’Neill as the ball struck the top of the crossbar.

The Stripes would make it a memorable festive period as goals from Conor McKendry and Matthew Shevlin sealed a 2-0 win at The Showgrounds on Boxing Day. Oran Kearney’s men would take a 23rd minute lead as McKendry’s ball into the box went straight into the net without a touch to make the breakthrough. Things would get even better 12 minutes later as a throw-in allowed Jamie Glackin to pick up possession inside the box and he picked out Shevlin. The striker still had so much to do as he adjusted his feet before arrowing into the back of the net via the crossbar. The hosts should have put the game to bed before half-time as Glackin fired straight at Sean O’Neill, before Stephen O’Donnell’s half volley clipped the top of the crossbar. The second-half would prove to be a low key affair with Gareth Deane denying David McDaid, whilst at the other end, Shevlin would be denied a second after being played through one-on-one with the ‘keeper.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“Hopefully, we can get a few guys back as there are a few that are coming close,” Kearney said.

“I’ve got to give credit – there’s a body of about 12/13 players there that have carried a big burden over the past six weeks or so, a mountain of work to keep us where we’re at.

“Probably at a stage now where we’re ready to freshen and get a few extra bodies back.

“Hopefully we can look forward to that in the next week or so.

“Ideally, you’d like a free week going into the final, which would be the best way of approaching the game.

“A game the Saturday before it, it’s not too bad, but we both only agreed to play Tuesday night if the other team was playing as well so that it was equal for both teams.

“Hopefully we can bounce off the back of a victory which will send us into the game in good form.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Andrew Davey.

The assistant referees are Stephen Donaldson and George Argyropoulos.

Christopher Morrison has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsors are John Marshall, John Knight, William Knight, Jimmy Faulkner and Dessie Cox

Mark Docherty and Robin Hamilton alongside Coleraine Northern Ireland Supporters’ Club have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this evening are Evan Purcell and Ellen Devlin.

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 online HERE.

Ballymena United fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.

Both sets of supporters are kindly asked to read the following matchday arrangements HERE.

If you are not feeling yourself this evening and you have symptoms which you feel are similar to COVID-19, please stay away from the stadium and think of others.

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