Matchday Guide: Crusaders

COLERAINE aim to close the gap on Crusaders in the Premiership table as the two sides meet at Seaview this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders come into the contest after losing back-to-back Premiership fixtures following defeats to Ballymena United and Cliftonville. The 2-1 reverse at home to the Reds was a hard one to take for Oran Kearney’s side as they dominated possession for large spells and missed a litany of chances to make the breakthrough. Momentum seemed to be with Coleraine after Conor McKendry’s equaliser but Sam Ashford’s close range strike would send all three points back up to north Belfast. The result means Coleraine remain in 6th position in the table.

Crusaders are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions and played out a 1-1 draw at home to Glentoran last weekend. An equaliser from Philip Lowry would seal a point for the Hatchetmen who had to finish the contest with 10 men following Josh Robinson’s dismissal. Stephen Baxter’s men are currently 4th in the Premiership standings and are on their travels to Portadown on Tuesday in the second round of the BetMcLean Cup.

Previous Meetings:

The two teams met at the end of September at The Showgrounds in what would turn out to be a profitable day for the visitors. On 14 minutes, the Crues made it 1-0 through Philip Lowry as the midfielder saw his long-range strike nestle in the bottom corner following Adam Lecky’s cut back. As Coleraine made substitutions to get back into the contest, the Crues doubled their lead as Heatley headed the ball through to Ben Kennedy who ran through and calmly slotted the ball past Gallagher. The scoring would continue on 87 minutes as Lecky crossed the ball into the box that found the head of Daniel Larmour who converted from close range. The last action of the game action of match saw the Crues make it 4-0 through Jarlath O’Rourke with a strike just outside the box that flew into the top corner.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We were good last weekend and the players have hit a level that we need to this afternoon,” Kearney said.

“We lost three points against Crusaders the last time but we lost three points last weekend with a good performance – so what’s the difference?

“We have nothing to show for it, so for us today, I’d happily play poorly and win the game because it’s all about picking up points.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Tony Clarke.

The assistant referees are George Argyropoulos and Gavin Hegarty.

Keith Kennedy has been selected as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters will require tickets for the contest which can be bought HERE.

We would urge supporters to arrive at the ground in good time and respect residents and businesses in terms of parking your vehicle.

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