IRISH Cup finalists Dungannon Swifts are in town as our Premiership schedule continues this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

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Overview:

Coleraine lost for the first time in seven matches as they were beaten 2-1 by Glentoran at The Oval. Despite creating several good chances in the capital, an own goal by Charles Dunne and Dylan Connolly’s effort was enough for the Glens to seal a 2-1 win – despite Declan McManus’ late response. The result meant Coleraine remained in 6th place ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures.

Dungannon Swifts competed in their first ever top-six game on Tuesday night as they played out a 1-1 draw at home to Larne. The fixture was the tale of two own goals as Gael Bigirimana inadvertently netted for Larne, whilst Ryan Nolan put the ball into his own net at the other end. The Swifts are currently 4th in the Premiership table and will face Cliftonville in next month’s Irish Cup final.

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.

At the tail end of January, 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.

A week later, they would do it all over again at Stangmore Park in a sixth round clash in the Irish Cup. The Swifts held in the half-time lead in spectacular style as Gael Bigirimana’s effort from distance sailed beyond Rory Brown and into the back of the net. In what looked like being an inspired performance by host ‘keeper Declan Dunne, the Bannsiders finally drew level on 82 minutes as debutant Declan McManus headed in his first goal in Coleraine colours from Jamie Glackin’s cross. However, the Stripes would suffer a sucker-punch in extra-time as a ball picked out the run of Andy Mitchell on the left-hand side. The ex-Coleraine man picked out Tomas Galvin inside the box and the attacker made no mistake with a well-executed finish to end the Bannsiders’ Irish Cup hopes.

Assistant Head Coach’s Thoughts:

“I’ve watched Dungannon a lot this year and we’ve played them three times,” O’Connor said.

“We are still hurting from the Irish Cup exit when they beat us.

“Rodney has got them playing good football and I watched them against Bangor last week.

“They struggled for 20 or 25 minutes in the second-half when they had to defend long balls.

“But great credit to Rodney and the players he has brought in, they’ve got a good group there and they’ve players who want to roll their sleeves up.

“But we want to attack the game like we did at home against them earlier in the season when we won 4-1.

“We want to replicate that performance and that result.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Tim Marshall.

The assistant referees are George Argyropoulos and Richard Hegarty.

Declan Hassan has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

JF Travel have kindly agreed to sponsor the match and match ball this afternoon.

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

Admission:

Season tickets are valid for the fixture, although, non-season ticket holders will require matchday tickets for the fixture HERE.

Dungannon Swifts fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.

Due to a good crowd 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).