Matchday Guide: Dungannon Swifts

COLERAINE target a spot in the semi-final of the BetMcLean Cup as they face Dungannon Swifts this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

BetMcLean Cup Quarter-Final

Overview:

Coleraine returned to winning ways in the Danske Bank Premiership on Saturday as they registered a 4-0 win against Portadown at The Showgrounds. The Bannsiders would make a blistering start and took the lead after just four minutes courtesy of a Paddy McNally own goal before Lee Lynch doubled the advantage six minutes later. The second-half would start in a similar fashion as Matthew Shevlin netted from close range, with James McLaughlin also finding the back of the net. The Stripes have beat Dergview and Ballymena United to get to this stage of the competition.

Dungannon Swifts will be licking their wounds after a 2-0 defeat to Crusaders last weekend. The County Tyrone side got off to the worst possible start as they conceded inside the first minute with Garry Breen also sent off. Remarkably, Dwayne Nelson saved two penalties but this would prove to be in vain as Daniel Larmour sealed the deal for the Crues. The Swifts are currently one from bottom in the table and have beaten Queen’s University and Portadown in the League Cup.

Previous meetings:

The two sides met back in September and it would be a first-half to remember for the Bannsiders as they led 4-0 at the interval. The Stripes would take the lead on ten minutes as Caolan Marron netted into his own net after a dangerous pass by Jamie Glackin. In a devastating eight minute spell, Coleraine would net three times as Kieran Farren blazed in from a corner, Matthew Shevlin pounced from inside the box and Glackin put the finishing touches to a devastating counter attack. Five minutes before the end, Michael McCrudden would score his first Coleraine goal with a fine finish into the bottom corner.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We’ve reached two League Cup finals in a row – one happy and one sad,” Kearney said.

“However, we want to put ourselves back up there again.

“The easiest thing to do is not be in a semi-final or final and not risk that joy or disappointment.

“I had so much joy winning the first one and it really hurt last year in how we lost that one.

“But I want to go again, I want another go at it and it’s important we go and get the same level of performance.”

Officials:

The match referee is Evan Boyce.

The assistant referees are Kristian Hanna and Brian Wilson.

Shane McGonigle has been allocated as fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is 7 Towers Scaffolding.

Uel Kirkpatrick and Sam Scott have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this evening are Jake Stirling and Oliver Fillis.

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

Admission:

Supporters are advised that entry is via tickets only (£12 adults, £8 concessions, £2 under 18’s) HERE.

Both sets of fans are kindly asked to read our matchday arrangements HERE before travelling to The Showgrounds.

If you are not feeling yourself tomorrow 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).