COLERAINE complete a three-game week as they make the trip to Mourneview Park this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine made it seven points out of a possible nine on Tuesday night as goals from Declan McManus and Jamie Glackin sealed a 2-0 success against Dungannon Swifts. The result moved the Bannsiders up to second in the Premiership standings at this early stage. First-team boss Ruaidhri Higgins will return to the dugout this afternoon after sitting out Tuesday night’s win following a small medical procedure.

Glenavon have yet to pick up a point from their opening three games after losses to Ballymena United, Carrick Rangers and most recently, Glentoran. The Lurgan Blues are currently 11th in the Premiership table. Paddy McLaughlin has been busy adding to his squad this summer as Paddy Burns (Coleraine), Jacob Carney (Newport County), Luke Cartwright (Loughgall), Francely Lomboto (Sligo Rovers), Kris Lowe (Cliftonville), Stephen Mallon (Sligo Rovers), Kyle McClelland (Hibernian), Jordan McMullan (Ballymena United), Harry Murphy (Glentoran – permanent), Oran O’Kane (H & W Welders) and Corey Smith (Coleraine – loan) have all joined.

Previous Meetings:

The two clubs met on three occasions last season in the Sports Direct Premiership.

  • August 24, 2024 – Coleraine 0 Glenavon 2 (McDaid ‘2 mins & Ward ’49 mins)
  • November 30, 2024 – Glenavon 3 (McDaid ’62 mins & ’77 mins, Snoddy ’90+5 mins); Coleraine 3 (Campbell ‘6 mins, Glackin ’33 mins & Stewart ’64 mins)
  • March 8, 2025 – Glenavon 0 Coleraine 1 (McManus ’81 mins)

Assistant Coach’s Thoughts:

“Their point return this season is a false return,” said Conor Loughrey.

“Watching back the Glentoran game…Glenavon were much, much the better side in the first half. I don’t think even Glentoran would argue that.

“Even at Carrick last week, they were having things cleared off the line, so their point return is a false return. We’re expecting a really tough game.

“We’re going to a really good venue. The groundsman does a brilliant job at Glenavon. It’s a really good service and two teams that want to play.

“Paddy will have them right up for it, and we’re preparing for a difficult game, and that’s what we expect.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Mark Dillon.

The assistant referees are Stephen Donaldson and Kristian Hanna.

Ian McNabb has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters can purchase tickets for the fixture which can be bought HERE.

We would urge supporters to arrive at the ground in good time and respect residents and businesses in terms of parking your vehicle.

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