Matchday Guide: Cliftonville

COLERAINE and Cliftonville meet each other for the seventh time in all competitions this season as the chance to reach the final of the European Play-Offs is at stake tonight (KO 7:45pm)…

European Play-Off semi-final

Overview:

Coleraine come into tonight’s contest on the back of an eleven day break after recording their first win since March 7 as Matthew Shevlin (2) and Jamie Glackin netted in a 3-0 success against Larne at The Showgrounds. The result meant Oran Kearney’s men finished sixth in the Premiership standings. Coleraine will be looking to end an unwanted record of not winning a play-off match to date after losing at their previous three attempts. The Stripes will still be without the suspended Aaron Jarvis for tonight’s fixture.

Cliftonville ended the season with a 2-0 home defeat against Linfield as the Blues earned automatic European football for next season. It has been all change at Solitude since the last time the two sides met as Paddy McLaughlin departed as manager to take up an assistant position at Derry City, with Declan O’Hara taking the reins until the end of the campaign. The Reds finished 4th in the Premiership standings and have qualified for Europe via the play-offs on three occasions.

Previous meetings:

Coleraine and Cliftonville met on the opening day of the season at The Showgrounds with the Bannsiders looking to get off to a winning start. They certainly did that as they led by two goals at the break as Evan McLaughlin netted a quick-fire brace in front of a packed Ballycastle Road. However, Cliftonville reduced the gap as Ryan Curran headed into the back of the net from Levi Ives’ cross before they hit the woodwork through Ronan Hale’s powerful drive. After weathering that storm, Oran Kearney’s men would seal all three points at the death as Jamie Glackin’s shot went over the body of Fynn Talley.

In October, Coleraine would be home once again to the Reds but would find themselves 2-0 down inside the opening 14 minutes as Rory Hale hit a double after two defensive errors. The Bannsiders reduced the arrears at the break as Conor McKendry’s strike took a wicked deflection and went over the body of Nathan Gartside. However, early second-half pressure from Cliftonville would pay off on 62 minutes as the Reds went 3-1 ahead as a corner kick by Jamie McDonagh was headed into the net by Ryan Curran. The Stripes brought on Evan McLaughlin and James McLaughlin in a bid to get back into the contest and they pulled another goal back on 77 minutes as a terrific delivery by Josh Carson was steered into the net by Matthew Shevlin. Despite setting up a grandstand finish, the north Belfast side would leave with all three points on 89 minutes as a quick counter attack involving Chris Gallagher and Luke Turner allowed the latter to cross for Joe Gormley who headed into the back of the net.

Cliftonville would be the opposition for the Bannsiders in the semi-final of the BetMcLean Cup in December. The Stripes fell behind at half-time through Ronan Hale’s effort but deservedly forced extra-time when Matthew Shevlin fired in from Conor McDermott’s cross. However, Paddy McLaughlin’s men would hit the front in first-half extra-time as Odhran Casey blasted a drive into the net after Coleraine failed to clear a corner kick. Despite that setback, Coleraine levelled for a second time as Shevlin headed home from Lee Lynch’s cross to set-up penalties. After both Lyndon Kane and Ronan Hale missed from 12 yards, every other penalty was scored apart from Casey who blazed over as Coleraine reached a third successive League Cup final.

In January, Coleraine were the visitors to Cliftonville in the Danske Bank Premiership and trailed at the break due to Ronan Hale’s long range effort. However, just before the hour mark, the Reds would stretch their advantage as Ronan Doherty’s corner kick went directly into the net. Despite that setback, Oran Kearney’s men would fightback and earned a share of the spoils after scoring two goals in as many minutes as Matthew Shevlin netted a quick fire double. The hosts would end the contest strongly but couldn’t find a way past Martin Gallagher to earn all three points.

A month later, Coleraine and Cliftonville would also be drawn together for a second successive year in the Irish Cup as Solitude hosted the Sixth Round clash. Yet again the fixture would be decided by a penalty shoot-out after the game finished 2-2 as Rory Hale and Jamie McDonagh netted for the hosts, whilst Jack O’Mahony and Stephen O’Donnell scored for the Bannsiders. However, the Stripes would pay the penalty for missed attempts from 12 yards as the Reds went through.

In April, Coleraine would travel to Cliftonville for the opening post-split fixture in what would turn out to be yet another four goal classic. Oran Kearney’s men would take a fourth minute lead as Matthew Shevlin laid the ball into the path of Lyndon Kane who rifled home his first goal of the season. Both teams would have chances thereafter, however, Cliftonville would go into the interval on level terms as Ronan Hale arrowed an effort beyond the reach of Gareth Deane. The Reds would see a few chances come and go in the opening parts of the second-half, although Coleraine would regain the lead on the hour mark. A defence splitting pass by Jamie Glackin allowed Andy Scott through on goal and he made no mistake. Just when it looked like Coleraine done enough to bag all three points, the hosts would score in stoppage time yet again as Ronan Hale’s free-kick deflected off the ball and into the net.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We have made good use of the break and it’s just a real sharpener,” Kearney added.

“It’s more to sharpen the minds and keep the legs ticking over.

“We have got a good week behind us and look forward to the Cliftonville game.

“I and everyone else will forget the last two weeks.

“I’m just glad we got through it with no injuries or suspensions.

“We have managed the squad how we needed to and hopefully that leaves us with a strong 18 heading into tonight’s game.

“We can’t afford going into the game with a few players out, we need our strongest players on the pitch and we have plenty to offer when we can do that.”

Officials:

The match referee is Shane Andrews.

The assistant referees are Stephen Bell and Andrew Nethery.

Andrew Davey has been allocated as fourth official.

Admission:

Supporters are advised that entry is via ticket only HERE.

If you are not feeling yourself this evening and you have symptoms which you feel are similar to COVID-19, please stay away from the stadium and think of others.

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