AFTER back-to-back fixtures on the road, Coleraine return to The Showgrounds as Cliftonville are the visitors this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine made it four games unbeaten as they played out a 1-1 draw against Larne at Inver Park. The Bannsiders took the lead through a composed finish by Matthew Shevlin but the hosts quickly responded when Andy Ryan equalised. The draw meant Coleraine remained 7th in the table as two games remain ahead of the post-split schedule.

Cliftonville suffered their second successive Premiership defeat as Kian Corbally’s effort condemned them to a 1-0 loss away at Ballymena United. The Reds are 9th in the standings and know they will need to pick up maximum points from their last two contests to finish in the top half of the table. Jim Magilton’s men have already placed the BetMcLean Cup into the trophy cabinet, with an Irish Cup semi-final date against Ards also in the calendar.

Previous Meetings:

Cliftonville grabbed all three points courtesy of a 2-1 win at Solitude in October. The deadlock was broken on 18 minutes when Rory Hale was fouled by Graham Kelly inside the box, allowing Joe Gormley to convert from 12 yards. The Bannsiders grew into the contest and equalised in fine style on the half hour mark. Jamie Glackin robbed Shea Kearney in possession and slipped the ball into the path of Jamie McGonigle who expertly dispatched his shot into the far corner. Coleraine were guilty of wasting chances before and after Gormley added his second of the evening which was enough for Cliftonville to seal the victory.

In February, defences would be on top as Coleraine and Cliftonville played out a goalless draw at The Showgrounds. The best chance of the first-half fell the Bannsiders’ way as Jamie McGonigle was denied by David Odumosu, whilst at the other end, a dangerous ball by Luke Conlan just missed a vital touch by Destiny Ojo. In a game of very few big chances, the hosts nearly took the lead in bizarre circumstances with 75 minutes on the clock. A long ball forward by Connor Murray caused confusion in the Cliftonville defence, allowing Declan McManus through on goal but he failed to get a meaningful connection on the ball. However, after he blocked Jack Keaney’s attempted clearance, the ball looped over Odumosu’s head and trickled inches wide.

Head Coach’s Thoughts:

“We’ve got really good momentum and there’s a good feeling amongst the group,” Shiels said.

“I sense that the mentality is there and coming in I looked at the players and they were disappointed on Saturday and that shows you where we’re at.

“The fans were brilliant at Inver Park and you could see they were giving the players energy.

“The players were feeding off it and the fans believed and the players believed.

“We are disappointed for them heading home without the three points.

“We’ve won our last three away games and we got a point here, which takes us a bit closer to where we want to be.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Tony Clarke.

The assistant referees are Brian Wilson and Gavin Hegarty.

Declan Hassan has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Mountfern Adult Centre, Coleraine.

Roasted, Roy Robinson and Sandy Arthur have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascot this evening is Kayden.

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 HERE.

Cliftonville fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased 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).