Matchday Guide: Ballymena United

COLERAINE go in search of adding their name into the hat for the next round of the BetMcLean League Cup as they visit Ballymena United this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

BetMcLean League Cup Second Round

Overview:

Coleraine come into the contest licking their wounds after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Larne at Inver Park. The Bannsiders would fall behind to an early goal from Leroy Millar before Paul O’Neill sealed all three points for Tiernan Lynch’s side. Coleraine now sit in 5th spot in the Danske Bank Premiership table ahead of tonight’s Cup tie. The Stripes would overcome Dergview in the previous round as Evan McLaughlin (2), Michael McCrudden and Matthew Shevlin got on the scoresheet.

Ballymena United were in action last weekend – albeit briefly – as their fixture away to Glentoran had to be abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch. The Sky Blues have taken four points from their opening seven fixtures and currently occupy 10th spot in the Premiership standings. David Jeffrey’s men reached the second round of the competition via a 4-2 win against Ards after extra-time. Jake Corbett (Linfield), Jordan Gibson (Carrick Rangers), David McDaid (Larne), Sean O’Neill (Crusaders), George Tipton (Portadown) and Evan Tweed (Coleraine) all joined United in the summer.

Previous meetings:

Coleraine and Ballymena met three times last season in the Premiership and there was certainly plenty of goals and drama across those fixtures. In September last year, in what was the Bannsiders’ first game on the artificial surface at The Showgrounds, Coleraine would take the lead on the half hour mark as the ball wasn’t cleared by the Ballymena defence and Matthew Shevlin was in the right place at the right time to convert from close range. The lead would be doubled in fine style on 74 minutes as Eoin Bradley’s long range effort left Jordan Williamson with no chance, before Cathair Friel was introduced from the bench to devastating affect as he added a late third.

On Boxing Day +1, Coleraine would be the visitors for the festive day fixture on Warden Street. The deadlock would be broken early doors as Paul McElroy latched onto Kenny Kane’s through ball to fire past Gareth Deane. After the break, Coleraine would dominate proceedings and got a deserved equaliser when James McLaughlin’s superb lob found the back of the net. Just when the Bannsiders thought they would leave with a draw, there would be late drama as David Parkhouse stabbed home from Brendan Barr’s cross.

In February, the Sky Blues were the visitors to The Showgrounds in a first-half that would be ultimately decided by two penalties. The first was converted by Lyndon Kane before the same player would see a second saved minutes later. That miss would be compounded as Caolan Loughran headed home an equaliser. Both teams would go close to finding a winner as Curtis Allen saw a late goal disallowed for offside.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“The League Cup has been good and bad to us in the last few years,” Kearney said.

“However, it’s a competition we’ve gone to the wire in over the last few years and we want to do the same again.

“Derbies are derbies and people saying ‘Ballymena this and Ballymena that’ about their start of the season.

“I’ve never known an easy derby in my time at the club and I’m expecting nothing different.

“We need to make sure we roll our socks up again and get back out there.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Tim Marshall.

The assistant referees are Rachel Greer and Shane Corrigan.

Diarmuid Harrigan has been selected as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters can buy tickets for the fixture which can be purchased 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.

If the match is level after 90 minutes, the game will proceed to two 15 periods of extra-time. If the game is still level after extra-time, the result will be decided in a penalty shootout.

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