Matchday Guide: Ballymena United

THE A26 derby returns for the second time this season as the Bannsiders are the visitors to Warden Street this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine made it a hat-trick of successive wins in all competitions last Friday night courtesy of a 2-0 away win at Newry City. The hosts would be reduced to ten men early doors after Stephen Moan was dismissed for a robust tackle on Andy Scott, and despite weathering a storm thereafter by Gary Boyle’s side, Coleraine would take a half-time lead through Conor McKendry’s close range finish. The winger would then complete a brace and secure all three points after interval as he pounced on hesitancy in the Newry defence to find the back of the net. The result means Oran Kearney’s side are 6th in the Premiership standings.

Ballymena United have lost their last two Premiership encounters as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Newry City before going down to a single goal against Crusaders at Seaview. Those results means Jim Ervin’s side remain bottom of the table, however, recent victories against Carrick Rangers and Dungannon Swifts have closed the gap on the teams above them. The Braidmen will have to do without the services of experienced defender Colin Coates who was forced off through a serious injury during last weekend’s contest in north Belfast.

Previous Meetings:

The two clubs would meet on the opening night of the season as the Stripes would make a winning start after coming from a goal behind to record a 2-1 success against their derby rivals. The Sky Blues would take a 12th minute lead as a cross into the box by Steven McCullough met the head of Colin Coates who powered a header into the bottom corner. However, Coleraine responded on 35 minutes as a quick corner kick saw Conor McKendry’s drive finding Matthew Shevlin and the striker expertly found the back of the net. An onslaught by the hosts would be rewarded on 61 minutes as McKendry was yet again involved as his dribble and cross found an unmarked Shevlin at the back post who made no mistake. The score could have been even more emphatic as Jamie Glackin clipped the outside of the post after being picked out by Lee Lynch.

Ballymena United will host Coleraine in the second round of the BetMcLean Cup next month.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It’s a wee bit of momentum,” Kearney said after the 2-0 success at the Newry Showgrounds.

“The important thing was coming out the end of that and the other side of it strongly.

“I would have said against Glenavon we laid a foundation and last Friday evening at Newry was about laying the first block where we’ve had that blip or call it what you want.

“It’s important you come out of it strong the other side, not just for the performance against Glenavon, but to go and back it up last Friday.

“Ideally, to back up Friday night we want to go and do the same this afternoon.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Lee Tavinder.

The assistant referees are Paul Robinson and Shane Geary.

Shane McGonigle has been selected as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters will require tickets for the contest which can be bought HERE.

We would urge supporters to arrive at the ground in good time and respect residents and businesses in terms of parking your vehicle.

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