Matchday Guide: Carrick Rangers

COLERAINE go in search of a third successive victory in all competitions as they face Carrick Rangers this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine reached the semi-final of the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night after a 3-0 success against Dungannon Swifts at The Showgrounds. The hosts would have a two-goal lead through Michael McCrudden and Matthew Shevlin before Evan McLaughlin bagged a late third to set-up a last four meeting with Cliftonville. The Stripes’ last league game was a 4-0 win against Portadown as they ended a run of back-to-back defeats and they sit 5th in the Premiership standings.

Carrick Rangers were not in action through the week which means their last league outing was a 1-0 defeat to Cliftonville at Solitude. Despite a resolute performance in north Belfast, the visitors would concede a penalty with ten minutes to go and they had a late goal ruled out for offside. Stuart King’s side are 7th in the table and are three points behind the Bannsiders, with Alexander Gawne ineligible for today’s encounter.

Previous meetings:

The first meeting this season would take place at the Loughview Leisure Arena in August. After Carrick started the brightest, it would be Coleraine who would take a 19th minute lead as Lee Lynch crossed for Matthew Shevlin who headed into the net despite the best efforts of Ben Tilney to clear the ball off the line. Both teams would continue to create half chances at the Loughview Leisure Arena but once again Coleraine would pounce as Evan McLaughlin released the run of Shevlin who comfortably rounded Ross Glendinning to tap the ball into an empty net. However, the Amber Army would half the deficit before the break as referee Raymond Crangle pointed to the spot after Cameron Stewart was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box. The spot kick would be taken by David Cushley who sent Marty Gallagher the wrong way. After Stewart went inches away from levelling matters, the Stripes would regain their two goal lead as Kieran Farren’s header from Josh Carson’s free-kick went into the path of Shevlin who completed his hat-trick. The hosts would be left frustrated soon after as Gallagher somehow denied Curtis Allen from close range before Emmett McGuckin’s header was cleared off the line by Josh Carson. With less than two minutes remaining, the Stripes would add a fourth as Jamie Glackin was in the right place at the right time to divert Aaron Jarvis’ cross into the net, with Carrick pulling a consolation goal back in added time as Allen arrowed a fine strike into the far corner.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It will be another tough game and we’ve already been down there this season,” Kearney said.

“That was a real ding-dong and they’ve had some cracking results since then both home and away.

“We know how tough it’s going to be, they’ll be fired up for it and it’s important we’re ready for that.

“The two recent defeats hurt and the good response from that is to bounce back with two wins since then.

“We want to keep that rolling, it’s a busy schedule and we want to make sure we’re as fresh as possible.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Ian McNabb

The assistant referees are Stephen Donaldson and Ken Ross.

Mark Milligan has been selected as the fourth official.

Admission:

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

Alternatively, fans can make their way into the ground using a cash gate.

If you are not feeling yourself this afternoon 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).