Matchday Guide: Dungannon Swifts

COLERAINE make a second trip to Stangmore Park this season as Dungannon Swifts host the Bannsiders this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine picked up an important three points on Tuesday night as the Bannsiders edged a 1-0 win against Carrick Rangers at The Showgrounds. Just when the Stripes looked like being frustrated in their quest for a victory, they would make the breakthrough on 70 minutes as Matthew Shevlin netted from the spot. However, the win came at a cost as Jamie Glackin received a straight red card and will be suspended for the next three games. Oran Kearney’s men are currently fifth in the table ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.

Dungannon Swifts were also in midweek action as they were beaten 6-0 by Glentoran as Niall McGinn netted a hat-trick against his former side. Dean Shiels’ men are 11th in the Premiership standings but have won their last four games in all competitions at Stangmore Park. The Swifts have added Joe Moore to their squad during the January transfer window and will face Knockbreda in the sixth round of the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish 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.

At the start of November, 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.

Coleraine would host Dungannon as the festive fixtures got underway and it would prove to be a profitable day for the Bannsiders. Oran Kearney’s side would take the lead on three minutes as a strike from Dean Jarvis could only be parried into the path of Matthew Shevlin who made no mistake from close range. After both teams missed chances, the hosts doubled their advantage as Conor McDermott burst into the box before finding the top corner for his first goal in Coleraine colours. After Michael Walsh would miss a guilt-edged chance for the visitors, Coleraine would see another chance come and go as Shevlin’s low effort looked certain to find the net but Mayowa Animasahun was in the right place at the right time to clear the ball off the line. The second-half would be a more quiet affair as Ben Gallagher hit the crossbar for the Swifts, with Michael McCrudden having a goal disallowed for offside.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We will be expecting a reaction from Dungannon and it’s tough everytime we go there,” Kearney said.

“In particular, they’ve got a really good home record at this moment in time and have picked up a few notable results over the last few weeks.

“We aren’t sure about Conor’s injury and we’re hoping it’s not too serious at this point in time but we will have to wait and see.

“Those players potentially being out gives opportunity to others; Jack O’Mahony and Aaron Jarvis were both flying before picking up an illness and all of a sudden people jump in, grab shirts and it’s hard for them to get back in.

“We have players there who are kicking their heels and can’t wait to get back playing, so it’s up to those guys to step up to the mark now.”

Officials:

The match referee is Ben McMaster.

The assistant referees are Stephen Bell and Kristian Hanna.

Neil Robinson has been allocated as fourth official.

Admission:

Supporters are advised that entry is via a cash gate.

If you are not feeling yourself this 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).