Matchday Guide: Carrick Rangers

COLERAINE go in search of a third successive win as they are the visitors to Carrick Rangers this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine maintained their winning start to the new campaign after a 2-0 success against Portadown at Shamrock Park. The Bannsiders would make the breakthrough through Matthew Shevlin’s finish on 20 minutes before the same player would head in just two minutes after the restart. The result means Coleraine are second in the table at this early stage ahead of a busy week of fixtures which also sees Oran Kearney’s men face Glenavon on Friday night.

Carrick Rangers started the season with a 2-1 win against Newry City before being edged out by Cliftonville at Solitude. The Amber Army had trailed due to an early goal but turned the game on its head to lead at the break as Lloyd Anderson and David Cushley found the back of the net. However, a penalty by Ryan Curran and a red card to Mark Surgenor levelled the contest with the Reds making their numerical advantage count as Joe Gormley fired home the winner. Stuart King has been busy adding to his squad in the summer as Curtis Allen (Coleraine), Ross Glendinning (Glentoran), Andrew Mitchell (Larne – loan) and Cameron Stewart (Glentoran) all joined the club.

Previous meetings:

Coleraine and Carrick Rangers met each other on four occasions in all competitions last season – with the Bannsiders winning three and drawing one.

The two clubs met each other in early September as Coleraine went into the contest after losing their first two league games of the campaign. After making a strong start, the Bannsiders would take the lead in fortuitous circumstances as Conor McKendry’s cross inadvertently went into the net. Just before the half-time whistle, the hosts would be reduced to ten men as Jim Ervin received his marching orders for bringing down Matthew Shevlin. Oran Kearney’s men used the extra man to their advantage after the break as Shevlin notched a deadly double to make it a 3-0 win for the Stripes.

In October, the Bannsiders were drawn against Carrick Rangers in the third round of the BetMcLean League Cup. The visitors would take a first-half lead as Jamie Glackin headed the ball into the path of Matthew Shevlin who converted from close range. In a fixture that failed to provide many chances, the Stripes would double their advantage with less than ten minutes remaining as Shevlin rifled home a second after Aaron Traynor’s throw-in to the box wasn’t fully cleared. At the death, Gareth Deane would preserve his clean sheet as he dived to his right to keep out Mark Surgenor’s penalty.

A month later, it would be a case of defences being on top as the Bannsiders would have to settle with a point for their efforts. In truth, the Amber Army had the best chances of the game but Gareth Deane was in superb form to stop Jordan Gibson, Ben Tilney and Lloyd Anderson from making the breakthrough.

In January this year, Coleraine would go in search of a much needed win and they took the lead on 26 minutes as a dangerous delivery into the box was headed into the net by Rodney Brown. Just before the half-time whistle, things would get even better as a cross into the box by Jamie Glackin resulted in Steven Gordon scoring an own goal. Oran Kearney’s men would be given the perfect opportunity to add a third from the spot after Lyndon Kane was brought down inside the area by Skeet. The full-back would pick up the ball and comfortably dispatch from 12 yards on 53 minutes.

Manager’s Thoughts:

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

“We had it tough there last year and like every team in this league, they are going to put it up to you and tonight is going to be no different.

“Carrick have brought in several experienced players and Stuart brings an energy to it and always has done.

“He’s signed well, Curtis obviously being one of them and we all know his qualities, so it’s important we are on it.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Raymond Crangle.

The assistant referees are George Argyropoulos and John Doherty.

Glenn Buchanan 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 tomorrow afternoon and you have symptoms which you feel are similar to COVID-19, please stay away from the stadium and think of others.

If you have access to a lateral flow/PCR test at home, we would encourage you to check yourself before coming to the game.

If you have been in contact with a positive case and haven’t yet been contacted by track and trace, please do not come to the game.

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