COLERAINE and Dungannon Swifts do it all over again as the Bannsiders make their way to Stangmore Park in Irish Cup action (KO 3pm)…

CLEARER WATER IRISH CUP SIXTH ROUND

Overview:

Coleraine come into the fixture after drawing 1-1 against the same opposition last weekend after Matthew Shevlin netted with the last kick of the ball. The result means the Bannsiders remained 9th in the Premiership standings as they take a break from league duty this weekend. Dean Shiels’ men beat Armagh City in the previous round and could hand a debut to recent signing Declan McManus following his move from Welsh side TNS.

Dungannon Swifts were in action during the week as they lifted the Mid-Ulster Cup after a 2-1 win over Loughgall at Stangmore Park. Goals in the first-half from Brandon Bermingham and Kealan Dillon proved to be the catalyst as they were victorious in the competition for the first time since 2016. Rodney McAree’s troops beat Rathfriland Rangers in the previous round.

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.

Last weekend the two teams squared off at Stangmore Park with Coleraine guilty of missing numerous chances. The hosts took the first half lead when Tomas Galvin was in the right place at the right time to blast home with 41 minutes on the clock. Despite looking like it wasn’t to be the Bannsiders’ day, Coleraine levelled the match with the last kick of the game as Declan Dunne could only parry Sam McClintock’s shot into the path of Matthew Shevlin who converted from close range as the contest finished 1-1.

Head Coach’s Thoughts:

“We’re feeling good,” Shiels said.

“Obviously scoring late on last week felt like a win at times because of how much we put into that game.

“I think we really deserved something out of it and when you score in the dying seconds then – which has happened to us a couple of times this season where we’ve conceded in the dying seconds at Glenavon and Portadown – so, mentally, we feel good about ourselves going into the game.

“We’re delighted at how many chances we’re creating.

“With the attacking players we have and the way we’re playing, we’re playing a really good style of play, we’re moving the ball well, we’re getting in behind teams, we’re getting through teams and we’re creating loads of chances.

“It’s just about that last wee bit in the final third.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Jamie Robinson.

The assistant referees are Andrew Nethery and Adam Jeffrey.

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).