COLERAINE square off against Cliftonville this afternoon with the winners securing European football next season (KO 2pm)…

EUROPEAN PLAY-OFF FINAL

Overview:

Coleraine reached the European play-off final after a 1-0 win over Crusaders on Wednesday night. After losing on all previous five occasions against the Hatchetmen so far this season, Ruaidhri Higgins ensured his managerial reign at The Showgrounds got off to a winning start as Declan McManus’ early goal proved to be the difference.

Today’s opponents Cliftonville were also victorious in their respective semi-final as they netted two late goals to see off Glentoran at The Oval. After a scoreless opening 85 minutes in east Belfast, Cliftonville swung the tie in their favour as Jack Keaney and Eric McWoods netted late on to register a 2-0 success against Declan Devine’s side.

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.

Nothing would separate the two teams yet again in March as the points were shared in a four-goal thriller on the Ballycastle Road. After a scoreless first-half, Cliftonville struck first on 66 minutes thanks to industrious work from Axel Piesold. The midfielder seized upon a loose ball, burst forward and picked out Ryan Curran inside the box. The Cliftonville number 9 worked the ball onto his right foot before finding the net via a deflection. To their credit, Coleraine responded well to that setback and were awarded a penalty on 72 minutes when Luke Conlan was adjudged to have brought down Matthew Shevlin inside the box. A confident Shevlin then stepped up to rattle in the spot-kick to level the scores. In a pulsating last 25 minutes, Coleraine then hit the front as a loose pass was seized upon by Levi Ives, and after his shot was parried, Shevlin was in the right place at the right time to find the back of the net. However, Cliftonville – who needed a win to keep their top-six hopes alive – were awarded a penalty of their own on 87 minutes when Rory Brown tangled with Joe Gormley inside the box, allowing Curran to grab his brace from the spot.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“If you have 20 players and everyone around the club wanting the same thing – it’s a big help,” Higgins said.

“It’s easy for supporters to get behind you when you’re attacking and the play is great. That’s easy…but what our supporters did the other night was recognise what the players put into the game.

“We came under a bit of pressure at the end, despite not giving up any chances, but the supporters drove us over the line.

“I’m excited, it’s a one-off game to get ourselves into European competition and we should embrace it.

“We are at home with our fans and I want the players to go out and express themselves and do their individual jobs.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Ben McMaster.

The assistant referees are Ryan Kelsey and Kristian Hanna.

Steven Gregg has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Eventsec.

Stu Cameron Barbering and the Pals Club have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Ollie, Keelan and Joey.

The Man of the Match award will be sponsored by Holley Optometrists.

Admission:

Season tickets are NOT valid for the fixture, meaning home supporters will require matchday tickets which can be bought HERE.

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

Due to a good 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).