Matchday Guide: Dungannon Swifts

COLERAINE kick-start the festive fixtures by welcoming Dungannon Swifts to The Showgrounds this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine come into today’s clash looking to build on last weekend’s victory against league leaders Larne. The Bannsiders would find themselves 2-0 up at the break as Matthew Shevlin and Conor McKendry both found a way past Rohan Ferguson, with Coleraine holding firm to register their sixth clean sheet from seven games. The result consolidated the Stripes’ top six credentials ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures.

Dungannon Swifts travel to the north coast fresh from winning only their second game of the campaign to date. A late finish from Rhyss Campbell allowed the Swifts to bank an important three points against Glenavon – a result which sees them extend the gap on bottom-of-the-table Portadown. Dean Shiels’ side are also in the final of the Mid-Ulster Cup after overcoming Portadown in the semi-final stage.

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.

At the start of last month, the two clubs would be paired in the BetMcLean Cup with a semi-final spot in the competition up for grabs. The Bannsiders would hit the front after just 19 minutes when the ball was worked to Michael McCrudden outside the box and the striker hit a crisp effort into the bottom corner. That lead would be strengthened three minutes later as wonderful ball by Conor McDermott was controlled by Matthew Shevlin who rifled into the back of the net. Both teams would see chances come and go but Coleraine would add a late third as Evan McLaughlin dribbled inside the box before firing past Declan Dunne.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We keep trying to put a little run together and to try and get up and going,” said manager Oran Kearney in the wake of the 2-0 win over Larne.

“Hopefully this will be the shot in the arm that can kick us on but we’ve got to quickly move on to the next game.

“Any of the games we’ve played Dungannon this year have been tough so we know we have to go and hit the same level again.

“Larne are top of the league so you have to classify last week as a high-ranking win, one where the odds of going and getting a result are getting tougher and tougher.

“It has to breed confidence. I’ve said it loads of times – I can say everything and anything to every player – but the only thing that really breeds confidence among the players is playing well and when you perform like we did against Larne it should bring confidence to everybody.

Officials:

The match referee will be Raymond Crangle.

The assistant referees are Kristian Hanna and Bogdan Sfirloaga.

Diarmuid Harrigan has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Railway Arms.

Curtis Magee has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascot this evening is Caleb Clohessy.

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 which can be bought online HERE.

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

Both sets of supporters are kindly asked to read the following matchday arrangements HERE.

If you are not feeling yourself this evening 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).