COLERAINE make their second visit of the season to Carrick Rangers this season as Premiership duty continues (KO 3pm)…

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Overview:

After suffering an Irish Cup exit to Dungannon Swifts, the Bannsiders put in a much better performance on Tuesday night as they played out a goalless draw against Cliftonville at The Showgrounds. The contest marked a debut for Charles Dunne after his January move from St Mirren. The result moved Dean Shiels’ men up one place into 8th in the Premiership standings.

Carrick Rangers were also in action on Tuesday night when they were beaten 2-1 by derby rivals Larne at Taylors Avenue. Despite taking the lead through Nedas Maciulaitis’ early effort, the Inver Reds hit back to take all three points through goals from Sean Graham and Tiarnan O’Connor. The Amber Army brought in Ethan Boyle (Wexford), Shane Forbes (Athlone Town), Jack Hastings (Larne – loan), Jack McIntyre (Ayr United), Luke O’Brien (St Patrick’s Athletic), Cian O’Malley (Wexford) Jack O’Reilly (Ytterhogdals IK) and Reece Webb (Wexford) in the January transfer window.

Previous Meetings:

The Bannsiders would pick up all three points as Connor Murray, Mackenzie Carse and Rhyss Campbell netted for Dean Shiels’ side in September. After both teams threatened inside the opening half hour, Coleraine took the lead on the half hour mark as Murray’s curling effort went in off the post. However, that lead only lasted three minutes as Carrick drew level when Paul Heatley fired low into the bottom corner. On 50 minutes, Coleraine regained their advantage as Ross Glendinning could only parry Dean Jarvis’ strike into the path of Carse who had an easy tap-in. The victory was wrapped up on 77 minutes as Campbell headed in from Jamie Glackin’s corner kick.

However, Carrick avenged that defeat by picking up a 2-1 win in Stephen Baxter’s first game in charge a month later. The Bannsiders found themselves two goals down at the break as Paul Heatley opened the scoring with 10 minutes on the clock, before Daniel Gibson added a second just before the half-time whistle. Coleraine were much improved after the break and halved the arrears through Jamie Glackin’s effort but Carrick held firm.

Assistant head coach’s Thoughts:

“We were disappointed and from my point of view it was one of our worst performances as we just didn’t show up,” O’Connor said of the previous visit to Taylors Avenue.

“We had no fight that day, the goals we conceded were sloppy and they’ve brought in four or five new players.

“When you go to Carrick away…the first thing you have to do is roll your sleeves up and be ready for a battle.

“If we can do that then hopefully our quality will shine through which I think our performances have deserved in the last four or five league games.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Shane McGonigle.

The assistant referees are Rachel Greer and Jason Millar.

Shane Andrews has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters are advised that a cash gate is in operation – £15 adults and £10 concessions.

Tickets can also 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).