Matchday Guide: Crusaders

COLERAINE make the trip to Seaview for the first time this season as they face Crusaders in the Danske Bank Premiership (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine come into the contest after a 1-0 win against Newry City on Tuesday night as Matthew Shevlin’s close range strike proved to be the difference. The result moved Oran Kearney’s men up to fourth spot in the table ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures. The Bannsiders will welcome the return of Jamie Glackin from suspension, with fitness checks being taken on several players ahead of travelling to north Belfast.

Crusaders were also in action on Tuesday night as Philip Lowry’s late goal sealed a 2-2 draw against Glenavon at Mourneview Park. The point meant the Crues were leapfrogged by the Bannsiders in the Premiership standings. However, Crusaders have been boosted by the return of Ben Kennedy from injury and signed Cameron Stewart on loan from Ipswich Town during the January transfer window. Stephen Baxter’s men are also in the quarter-final of the Irish Cup and will have home advantage against Glentoran.

Previous meetings:

After the first game between the two sides was postponed due to the sad passing of the Queen, the Bannsiders welcomed Crusaders to The Showgrounds last month. The hosts would make a poor start as McCauley Snelgrove blasted an effort into the bottom corner after just 47 seconds. To make matters worse, Coleraine would concede a second after 14 minutes on the clock when Adam Lecky burst into the box and cut the ball back for Jude Winchester. The midfielder had the precision to find Philip Lowry inside the area and he picked his spot beyond a helpless Gareth Deane. The Stripes needed a response before the break and it arrived in fortunate circumstances on 39 minutes as corner kick by Lynch was headed towards goal by Stephen O’Donnell, with the ball taking several deflections before finding the back of the net. On 66 minutes, Coleraine would have another opportunity as substitute Evan McLaughlin teed the ball up for Shevlin at the edge of the box but his low drive was parried by Tuffey and cleared to safety. Oran Kearney brought on James McLaughlin with 15 minutes to go and the striker almost made an instant impact as his half volley forced Tuffey into a low smart save as Crusaders held out for a 2-1 victory.

In December, the Stripes made it a memorable week as they picked up their third victory in six days at The Showgrounds. Coleraine would hit the front on 12 minutes as Josh Carson’s free-kick came back off the post with Aaron Jarvis in the right place at the right time to follow in the rebound. In a first-half with very few chances, the visitors went close on 29 minutes as Adam Lecky headed wide from Jordan Forsythe, with in-form Philip Lowry also nodding past the post from Ross Clarke’s delivery. Stephen Baxter’s side would threaten on 55 minutes as Paul Heatley’s shot on the turn went straight into the gloves of Gareth Deane. However, the Stripes would make it 2-0 on 61 minutes as Dean Jarvis and Jamie Glackin combined to tee up Evan McLaughlin who arrowed into the back of the net. Crusaders needed an instant lifeline but the best they could muster was a strike from Adam Lecky which Deane comfortably held to make it five successive clean sheets in the Premiership.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“They’ve been super all season and really, really good at Seaview,” said Kearney.

“They’re right up there amongst it like ourselves, so it’ll be a good game.

“It’s a big game for both clubs and one that we’ll look forward to.

“We know in the past it’ll take a really big performance and given Crusaders’ home form, we’ll probably have to go up a gear.

“We made it hard for ourselves on Tuesday night but I can’t get away from the quality of the performance and I said that to the players.

“The most pleasing aspect and people will lament the amount of chances we missed, but we created loads and that’s the most important thing.

“You’ve got to be there to miss them and by God we did that.

“Thankfully it didn’t cost us but the challenge is to go out this afternoon and create close to that level of chances again.

“I think if we do that over the course of the season, we’ll score more than we miss.”

Officials:

The match referee is Lee Tavinder.

The assistant referees are Bogdan Sfirloaga and John Doherty.

Ian McNabb has been allocated as fourth official.

Admission:

Supporters are advised that entry is via ticket only HERE.

If you are not feeling yourself this afternoon 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).