Matchday Guide: Dungannon Swifts

COLERAINE welcome Dungannon Swifts to The Showgrounds this afternoon for the Bannsiders’ last home match before Christmas (KO 3pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine recorded a first win in seven matches last weekend as they overcame Loughgall at The Showgrounds. The win was sealed via goals from Ciaran O’Hara, Lee Lynch and Conor McKendry which means the Bannsiders remain in 6th spot in the Sports Direct Premiership. However, the success came at a cost as David McDaid received a straight red card, meaning he misses today’s contest through suspension and joins a lengthy list of players unavailable for selection due to injury.

The Swifts arrive at The Showgrounds in buoyant mood after reaching the semi-final of the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night. After the game was tied 2-2, Rodney McAree’s men would go on and score two goals in extra-time to see off the challenge of Newry City. That result means the County Tyrone side will face Linfield for a spot in the final. Dungannon have lost their last two Premiership contests – against Linfield and Cliftonville – and sit 10th in the league table.

Previous Meetings:

In August, the Stripes would leave Stangmore Park frustrated after only leaving with a point despite leading 2-0 heading into added time. The first-half wouldn’t yield any goals despite Lyndon Kane and Conor McKendry going close as the Swifts would be reduced to ten men on 21 minutes as John Scott received two yellow cards. The deadlock would be broken on the hour mark as Darren Cole headed in his maiden Coleraine goal as he nodded Jamie Glackin’s header into the back of the net. Just after David McDaid would hit the post, the same player would double the advantage as he latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area to slam home his first goal of the campaign. However, a late twist to the game would see Dungannon earn a share of the spoils as Matthew Lusty latched onto a cross, before Ethan McGee headed into the back of the net after Coleraine failed to clear their lines.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“Every team brings their problems and Loughgall brought them last Saturday and Dungannon will do exactly the same this afternoon,” Kearney said.

“It’s up to us to make sure we dust ourselves down and see what we’ve got available, and try to pick up another three points.

“The injuries seem to be a conveyor belt.

“We’ve gone through a cycle recently where it’s affected our spine or the real graft aspect of our team.

“Stevie O’Donnell has only played two games this season, Josh Carson has played eight-odd games this season and Matthew Shevlin the same.

“You take the spine out of our team – never mind a team with a lot more money who have double the amount of players across all areas of the pitch – those three players have played 40-plus games for us the last couple of seasons and have been stalwarts of what we’re about.

“All of a sudden when you remove that out of a team, it makes it tough but it does give an opportunity even though it has hurt us in certain moments of certain games.

Officials:

The match referee will be Ben McMaster

The assistant referees are Stephen Donaldson and John Doherty.

Keith Kennedy has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is James Henry.

Alan McMillan has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Charlie, William, Jamie and Niamh.

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 need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.

The Social Club will be open from 11:30am – with drink promotions on offer and post-match entertainment with Big Al from 5pm to 7pm.

A ‘Carols in the Stands’ event will take place at 2:40pm and everyone is welcome to attend HERE.

Due to a large 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).