Matchday Guide: Cliftonville

COLERAINE start this year’s Irish Cup journey with the visit of Cliftonville to The Showgrounds this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Clearer Water Irish Cup Fifth Round

Overview:

Coleraine couldn’t prevent from losing four Sports Direct Premiership fixtures on the bounce as they fell to a 3-1 home defeat to Loughgall last weekend. Despite equalising through Davy McDaid’s effort, the Bannsiders would be punished for individual errors as Nathaniel Ferris hit a second-half brace and means Coleraine are still in sixth spot in the table. It has been a busy week for the Stripes as Jack Scott, Jamie McGonigle and Rory Brown have arrived at The Showgrounds, with Gareth Deane, Andrew Mitchell and Michael McCrudden moving onto pastures new.

Cliftonville weren’t in action last weekend as their away game at Glentoran was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at The Oval. That means the Reds were last in action on Boxing Day where they picked up the bragging rights with a 2-1 success at Solitude. Jim Magilton’s side are currently third in the Sports Direct Premiership table and last tasted defeat at the start of November.

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.

In October, Coleraine would welcome Cliftonville to The Showgrounds and were left wondering how they didn’t take a first-half lead as Jamie Glackin and Conor McKendry both had great opportunities saved. The Reds would score at the other end on 57 minutes as Shea Kearney’s cross was volleyed home by Ben Wilson but Coleraine would equalise 11 minutes later as McKendry blasted high into the roof of the net. It looked like the game was always going to be settled by one goal and it was Cliftonville who got it as good work by Stephen Mallon allowed Sam Ashford to convert from close range.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It will be another big test,” Kearney said.

“In the cups, we always seem to draw each other and that’s the way it goes.

“It’s a fresh start, it’s a New Year, it’s a cup competition which gives us the opportunity to go and do something.

“We’ve got to make sure that we are ready to go on Friday night.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Raymond Crangle.

The assistant referees are Kristian Hanna and Shane Corrigan.

Ross Dunlop has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Homemakers Coleraine.

Lee Hull has also kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this evening are Jessica and Ellie-May.

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

Admission:

Season tickets are now valid for the fixture which means both sets of supporters require tickets HERE.

A Curry Club option can still be bought which allows you match entry, a pint, some food and take part in a Q&A 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).