Matchday Guide

Matchday Guide: Dungannon Swifts

COLERAINE look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season as they travel to Dungannon Swifts this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine failed to make it four successive wins in the Danske Bank Premiership as they were beaten 3-1 by Glenavon at The Showgrounds. A penalty by Matthew Shevlin restored parity at the break but the Lurgan Blues would pocket the three points as Robbie Garrett and Matthew Fitzpatrick struck after the break. The Bannsiders are currently second in the table as they face the first of six matches across three competitions this evening.

It is all change at Dungannon Swifts as they installed a 4G surface in the summer. Dean Shiels’ side are chasing their first victory of the season after four defeats to Crusaders, Ballymena United, Glentoran and Cliftonville. The Swifts were busy adding to their squad in the summer as Mayowa Animasahun (Dundalk – loan), Brendan Barr (Derry City – loan), Darren Cole (Glentoran – loan), Dean Curry (Ballinamallard United), Ben Cushnie (Glentoran – loan), Caolan Marron (Glentoran), Michael O’Connor (Glentoran), Michael Ruddy (Portadown) and John Scott (Loughgall) all made the switch to Stangmore Park.

Previous meetings:

The first of three clashes between the two clubs was in September last year as Coleraine made their way to Stangmore Park. After the Swifts made a bright start, Coleraine made the breakthrough as Stephen Lowry headed home before Eoin Bradley struck right on the half-time whistle to double the advantage. It didn’t take long for the third to arrive as Matthew Shevlin pounced five minutes into the second-half, with Jamie Glackin and Ronan Wilson also finding the back of the net.

The second meeting was at The Showgrounds in the middle of November. After Coleraine looked more threatening early doors, the pressure finally paid off as the hosts broke the deadlock after 32 minutes. It was that man Matthew Shevlin again who continued his fine goalscoring streak by heading Glackin’s inviting cross past Dwayne Nelson. The Bannsiders wasted no time stamping their authority on the contest at the start of the second half. Just four minutes had elapsed when Cathair Friel flung himself to head home Shevlin’s cross. The home side managed the game well after the cushion of a second goal.

The final clash was in February this year as the Swifts made a midweek visit to The Showgrounds. After Lyndon Kane would see a penalty saved by Declan Dunne, the Bannsiders would take the lead on 40 minutes as Curtis Allen steered the ball into the back of the net. A minute later, that advantage would be doubled as Josh Carson pounced on a mistake by Cathal McGinty to go through on goal and slot past Dunne. Both teams would have half chances after the break but Coleraine held firm to record a 2-0 victory.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We have concentrated on the task in hand after the defeat to Glenavon,” Kearney said.

“Friday night games are brilliant when you win them but if you don’t, it makes for a very long weekend.

“We regrouped on Monday night, a few played in the U20’s game against Carrick Rangers on Tuesday night and we are ready to go.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Ben McMaster.

The assistant referees are Jamie Carnduff and John Doherty.

Raymond Crangle has been selected as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters are advised that entry is via a cash gate (£12 adults and £8 concessions).

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.

If you have access to a lateral flow/PCR test at home, we would encourage you to check yourself before coming to the game.

If you have been in contact with a positive case and haven’t yet been contacted by track and trace, please do not come to the game.

As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).