Matchday Guide: Cliftonville

COLERAINE end October with a home clash against third-placed Cliftonville at The Showgrounds this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders failed to make it three successive wins in all competitions as they were beaten by Ballymena United last weekend. After a goalless first-half – which saw Matthew Shevlin being dismissed – the Sky Blues would hit a quickfire double through Noah Stewart. Coleraine would half the deficit through Josh Carson’s penalty but a late strike from Alexander Gawne would settle matters. The result keeps the Stripes in 6th place in the standings and they will have to do without the suspended Shevlin.

Cliftonville lost out 1-0 against Linfield last weekend but were left scratching their heads as to how they had no points to show for their efforts. As Ben Wilson and Rory Hale went close to putting the Reds ahead, they would lose out as Chris McKee came off the bench to lob the ball into the net. The north Belfast side are currently 3rd in the Sports Direct Premiership table and will face Dungannon Swifts away from home in the second round of the BetMcLean Cup.

Previous Meetings:

Cliftonville would pick up all three points from the first meeting between the two clubs earlier this season as they ran out 5-0 victors at Solitude. The Bannsiders would shade the first-half but would ultimately be behind at the break as a corner kick was headed on by Jonny Addis at the far post and the instinctive Joe Gormley was in the right place at the right time to head home from close range. However, the Reds were in cruise control after the interval as Ben Wilson scored twice, alongside Gormley completing a hat-trick to make it a night to remember for Jim Magilton’s side.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“They’ve been flying,” Kearney said of the visit of Cliftonville.

“We had a tough game up there a month ago which was well documented.

“To be fair, our first-half performance up there was probably bang on the money and we didn’t deserve to go in 1-0 down.

“But our second-half performance wasn’t and there’s no hiding from that.

“We’ve got to make sure we hit a 90, 95 minute performance this weekend.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Tim Marshall.

The assistant referees are George Argyropoulos and Gavin Hegarty.

Jamie Robinson has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is JW Service Centre.

Curragh Van Sales has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon is Isla.

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 which can be bought online HERE.

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

Give a warm reception to Eugene McNutt and Tony Hutton who are our Special Guests this afternoon.

The Social Club will be open from 11:30am – with drink promotions on offer from 1:30pm until kick-off and then from 5pm to 6:30pm.

Due to a large 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).