Matchday Guide: Carrick Rangers

COLERAINE go in search of a welcome three points as they host Carrick Rangers in Premiership action this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders would be beaten in their last outing away to Larne as Joe Thomson and Leroy Millar netted either side of half-time to give the Inver Reds all three points. The defeat would be further compounded as Oran Kearney lost Matthew Shevlin and Andy Scott through injury, with Graham Kelly also withdrawn through precaution. The defeat means the Stripes remained 6th in the Premiership standings.

Carrick Rangers were also on the receiving end of a loss as they were defeated 3-0 by a clinical Cliftonville at home last Sunday. Goals from Rory Hale, Ronan Hale and Stephen Mallon earned Jim Magilton’s the win in east Antrim. The Amber Army have recently been taken over by American businessman Michael Smith and are currently 9th in the league table.

Previous Meetings:

The Stripes would lose for the first time this season when the two sides met at the Loughview Leisure Arena in August. Stuart King’s men would take a 14th minute lead when Andrew Mitchell’s cross from the left wing found Kyle Cherry’s head inside the Coleraine box. The ball looped over the outstretched arms of Gareth Deane and into the top right corner. Just three minutes later, Carrick were awarded a penalty after Jamie Glackin and Cherry tussled in the Bannsiders’ penalty area, with the Coleraine man receiving a yellow card for the incident. David Cushley sent Deane the wrong way which made it 2-0 to the ‘Gers. After three substitutions were made at half-time, the Bannsiders’ task would be made even more difficult as Glackin was dismissed for a second bookable offence on 58 minutes for a tackle on Cherry on the half way line. The closest Coleraine would come to mounting a comeback saw Lee Lynch’s set-piece clip the top of the woodwork, before Graham Kelly headed inches by the far post from a corner kick.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It will be another tough game,” Kearney said.

“It’s been so stop-start for Matthew [Shevlin] with suspension and injury, and now another injury that looks to keep him out for another few weeks at least.

“It’s been hard to gain that bit of momentum that we would like.

“We’re big boys, it’s a big boys league, and we’ve got to dust ourselves down and gather the troops for tomorrow.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Steven Gregg.

The assistant referees are Paul Robinson and Gavin Hegarty.

Declan Hassan has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is JW Service Centre, Coleraine.

Robert McKane has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Archie and Thomas.

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.

Carrick Rangers fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.

The Social Club will be open from 11:30am – with drink promotions on offer and post-match entertainment with DJ Johnny from 5pm to 7pm.

Due to a large crowd 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).