COLERAINE face Dungannon Swifts in the first of two back-to-back games as the Bannsiders make the trip to Stangmore Park this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

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Overview:

Coleraine remained 9th in the Premiership table last weekend after a 2-0 loss at home to Crusaders, where a lack of conviction in both boxes were punished by the visitors. During the week, the Bannsiders lifted the North West Senior Cup after a 3-2 win against Ballinamallard United as Sam McClintock (2) and Tiernan Brolly got on the scoresheet. Head coach Dean Shiels will have Dylan Boyle available from suspension and may hand a debut to Levi Ives following his move from Larne on Thursday.

Dungannon Swifts are flying high in the Premiership standings as they sit in second spot in the table. Rodney McAree’s men will be looking for a return to winning ways after losing out at home to Glenavon last weekend. The Co Tyrone side have added Brandon Bermingham to their squad in the January transfer window.

Previous Meetings:

In the first game of the campaign, a new-look Coleraine would have to settle for a share of the spoils as Matthew Shevlin’s goal with ten minutes to go sealed a 1-1 draw at Stangmore Park. On a warm day, Coleraine threatened first as good play by Dylan Boyle and Lyndon Kane resulted in Rhyss Campbell being presented with an opportunity but the winger couldn’t adjust his feet as the Swifts cleared their lines. Dungannon took the lead midway through the half as Kealan Dillon’s long-range effort went over an outstretched arm of Rory Brown and into the net. Coleraine enjoyed plenty of possession after the break and got a deserved equaliser when Shevlin was found inside the box and the striker created space for himself before blazing the ball into the roof of the net.

In November, Coleraine picked up all three points as Matthew Shevlin’s hat-trick – added to an own goal – helped the Bannsiders to a 4-1 success. After a low-key opening 40 minutes, Coleraine hit the front on the stroke of half-time as Rhyss Campbell’s header found Shevlin and he made no mistake. Dungannon equalised two minutes after the restart as Leo Alves’ free-kick found the head of James Knowles who picked his spot in the bottom corner. However, Coleraine hit three goals within an eight-minute spell to bank all three points. The first arrived on 61 minutes as Lyndon Kane’s cross was diverted into his own net by Danny Wallace. Shevlin ensured he left with the match ball thereafter as he found the bottom corner from Jamie McGonigle’s attempt, before netting from the spot after Campbell had been brought down inside the box by Adam Glenny.

Assistant head coach’s Thoughts:

“Dungannon have been super,” said O’Connor.

“I’ve watched them a few times and we’ve already played them a couple of times.

“They play open football, they’ll play really good attractive football, they’ve got pace up top, they’ve got players in midfield who can play football – so they sound like the complete team.

“That’s why they’re sitting where they are.

“We drew with them the first game of the season and beat them at The Showgrounds, so we’ll go into the game with a bit of confidence and hopefully get the win.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Shane Andrews.

The assistant referees are Brian Wilson and Jason Millar.

Tim Marshall has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters are advised that a cash gate is in operation – £15 adults, £10 concessions and £1 kids with a paying adult.

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).