Matchday Guide: Glenavon

COLERAINE start their festive fixtures by facing Glenavon in the first of a double-header this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine would fail to return to winning ways last weekend as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Carrick Rangers. After falling behind to a rasping free-kick from Reece Glendinning, it looked like it wasn’t going to be the Bannsiders’ day as a raft of chances would come and go for Oran Kearney’s men. However, the Stripes would earn a share of the spoils as David McDaid converted from Conor McKendry’s cross. Coleraine are currently 6th in the Premiership standings and must do without Josh Carson who has been added to the Bannsiders’ casualty list.

Glenavon are currently the in-form team in the Premiership alongside reigning champions Larne. It would prove to be a profitable November for the Lurgan Blues as they have won five Premiership games in succession, as well as reaching the quarter-final of the BetMcLean Cup where they will face the Bannsiders on Tuesday night. Stephen McDonnell’s side are currently 7th in the standings and have already added James Doona and David Toure ahead of the January transfer window.

Previous Meetings:

Oran Kearney’s men would recover from a goal deficit to rack up a 4-1 win through goals from Josh Carson, Conor McKendry (2) and Matthew Shevlin back in October. The visitors would take the lead with just six minutes on the clock as Jack Malone’s free-kick from 25 yards found the bottom corner. The Lurgan Blues would then create a litany of chances as Malone would twice go close thereafter, as well as Aaron Prendergast who had a header saved by Gareth Deane. The Bannsiders had chances of their own through McKendry and Shevlin but equalised just before the half-time whistle. Anything Malone could do with a dead ball, so could Carson as the midfielder struck a delightful free-kick beyond Rory Brown. Coleraine would hit the woodwork three times after the interval as Shevlin and Lynch smashed the crossbar, whilst Jack O’Mahony also saw his strike deflect off the post. However, the pressure would pay off as the Stripes went ahead in spectacular fashion as McKendry’s strike from distance found the top corner. The three points were secured late on as Shevlin showed strength and perseverance to slot home before McKendry added his second of the afternoon following a fine solo run.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“Since our last meeting, they have really kicked on and a big credit to Stephen and his players,” Kearney said.

“They were down here earlier in the tenure and it was a tough game and it took us until the second-half to kick on and get our goals.

“It’s a double-header so it’s important that we lay a big marker this afternoon.

“Double-headers aren’t easy, but ideally for us, we want to be successful in both of them.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Shane Andrews.

The assistant referees are Stephen Bell and Shane Geary.

Steven Gregg has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters will require tickets for the contest 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).