Matchday Guide: Dungannon Swifts

COLERAINE know a win will be enough to secure a top-six place in the Sports Direct Premiership as they welcome Dungannon Swifts to The Showgrounds this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine made it four games unbeaten in the Sports Direct Premiership last weekend as they played out a 1-1 draw away at Crusaders. Oran Kearney’s men had a half-time lead as Josh Carson netted from the spot after Conor McKendry was brought down inside the area by Philip Lowry. However, the hosts would equalise from a penalty of their own as Jordan Forsythe kept his composure from 12 yards – in an incident that saw Lyndon Kane being sent-off. Despite losing the full-back to suspension this afternoon, the Stripes will be able to recall the services of Jamie Glackin who was forced to sit out last weekend due to accumulating five yellow cards.

Dungannon Swifts have lost their last two games in the Premiership as they have recently been beaten by Glenavon and Glentoran. Rodney McAree’s side are currently 10th in the standings but will be eager to end the campaign on a high. The Stangmore Park side announced the signing of American midfielder Andrew Barrowman last week and he made his debut in the 3-0 loss to Glentoran.

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.

In December, the visitors would pick up all three points at The Showgrounds after a late comeback. With 38 minutes on the clock, the Swifts would take the lead from the spot after Conor McKendry was adjudged to have handled Adam Glenny’s cross into the box. Gareth Deane was unlucky not save Matthew Lusty’s penalty as he got a touch on ball but not enough to keep it out. After the break, Coleraine were beginning to dominate possession and territory and this led to the equaliser on 69 minutes. A cross into the box by McKendry was met by Ciaran O’Hara who bagged his second goal in as many games. Four minutes later, the turnaround was complete as the Bannsiders went ahead. An attempted clearance by Dean Curry from Jamie Glackin’s cross meant the ball landed at the feet of Dean Jarvis who hit a crisp half volley into the roof of the net. Despite doing the hard work by forging ahead, the Stripes would then somehow lose the contest by conceding twice within five minutes. Rodney McAree’s side made it 2-2 on 87 minutes as Cathal McGinty’s through ball split the Bannsiders defence, allowing substitute Tomas Galvin to find the bottom corner with a well-executed finish. As the game entered stoppage time, Dungannon would be awarded a second penalty as Lee Lynch tangled with Lusty inside the box. The spot kick was taken by Lusty yet again, and despite his effort from 12 yards being saved, the Larne loanee was able to convert the rebound.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“I think it’s vitally important we secure top six,” Kearney said.

“We all know – we talk about standards and how tight of a race it’s been – and big credit to a lot of the teams in the league that are in and around that area.

“For us, with the form that we were in mid season and the players that were missing we were very much playing catch-up.

“We’ve done that in the last month or so but we haven’t achieved anything yet and ideally for us it’s important we kick on now and finish the job.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Raymond Crangle.

The assistant referees are Stephen Donaldson and Kristian Hanna.

Mark Dillon has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Holley Optometrists.

Chequers Fish & Chips has also kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Archie, Riley, Max and Florence.

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 football on the big screens, post-match entertainment and drink promotions.

Kyle McVey will be returning to the club this evening as our Special Guest HERE.

Due to a good 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).