Matchday Guide: Carrick Rangers

COLERAINE take on Carrick Rangers this afternoon after the pitch at The Showgrounds passed a late morning inspection (KO 3pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders lost for a sixth consecutive game last weekend as they were comprehensively beaten by Glentoran at The Oval. That result – coupled with Glenavon’s win – meant Coleraine dropped out of the top six on goal difference. Oran Kearney will be able to welcome back Conor McKendry and Lyndon Kane from suspension this afternoon, although Dean Jarvis will miss out as he completes the final game of his two-match ban.

Carrick Rangers have lost their last four matches in all competitions which includes last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at home to Glenavon. Stuart King’s side are currently 9th in the Sports Direct Premiership, two points behind Coleraine. The Amber Army were knocked out of the fifth round of the Irish Cup by Portadown on penalties and have signed Australian midfielder Will Arnold in the January transfer window.

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.

In November, Coleraine would have to settle for a point for their efforts following the 1-1 draw at The Showgrounds. With just four minutes on the clock, the visitors would take the lead in eye-catching circumstances as Reece Glendinning’s long-range free-kick sailed into the top corner. Both teams would have chances thereafter, however, Coleraine had Gareth Deane to thank as the stopper made an incredible stop to thwart Cameron Stewart from close range. Coleraine would make a bright start to the second-half and created numerous opportunities but neither Lee Harkin or Davy McDaid could find the back of the net, whilst Stewart would then inadvertently hit his own post from Lyndon Kane’s cross. Oran Kearney’s men did get a deserved equaliser on 79 minutes as McDaid fired home from Conor McKendry’s cross. There would be late drama as Andy Mitchell had a goal disallowed for an apparent foul on Steven Gordon.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We had four or five players missing last weekend against Glentoran who would normally start,” Kearney said.

“We had four on the pitch who we were trying to get minutes into through no fault of their own.

“I thought Jack Scott was a shining light, I thought Matthew Shevlin looked bright when he came on and that was Stephen O’Donnell’s first 90 minutes since August time.

“Ideally what’s coming back, we will be a totally different outfit and a totally different look about us.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Keith Kennedy.

The assistant referees are David Burns and Kristian Hanna.

Michael McKenna has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is John Marshall, Tractor and Agricultural Machinery.

Geoffrey Vogan from Portadown Fireplaces has also kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

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 12pm – with drink promotions on offer and football on the big screens.

William McConaghie, Gareth McConaghie, Ronnie McDowell, Hugh ‘Chuck’ McIntyre, Trevor McLernon and Ryan McLaughlin will be returning to the club this afternoon as our Special Guests.

Supporters are reminded they can recycle their old football boots for a good cause via a campaign involving the Northern Ireland Football League and Street Soccer NI HERE.

Due to a good 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).