Matchday Guide: Glenavon

BetMcLean Cup Quarter-Final

Overview:

Coleraine and Glenavon meet for the second time in just three days as the Lurgan Blues are the visitors to The Showgrounds. Both teams would play out a 1-1 draw at Mourneview Park on Saturday as 10-man Glenavon would rescue a draw as Calum Birney netted a last minute equaliser. Things looked like going the Bannsiders’ way as Jamie Glackin rifled in on 78 minutes after Danny Wallace’s earlier dismissal but Birney would have different ideas as he prodded home from Stephen Teggart’s cut back. The result means Coleraine remained in 6th spot in the Premiership standings.

The winners of tonight’s contest know they will be at home to whoever progresses between Portadown and Loughgall in the semi-final of the competition.

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.

The two teams would meet just three days ago in Premiership action as Glenavon would receive a blow on the stroke of half-time as defender Danny Wallace was dismissed for a high tackle on Aaron Jarvis. The Bannsiders would use the man advantage to take the lead on 78 minutes as Jamie Glackin steered the ball into the bottom corner from Andy Mitchell’s lay-off. However, just when it looked like Coleraine had done enough to secure all three points, Glenavon would have different ideas as substitute Calum Birney rifled home from Stephen Teggart’s cut back to earn a 1-1 draw.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“Double headers are what they are – I never mentioned it beforehand,” Kearney said.

“Saturday won’t have any impact on Tuesday night.

“Yes, you could say it feels like a win, or that it feels like a defeat, the fact is that it’s a draw.

“Tuesday night we’ll go again.

“I don’t expect anybody to be walking around feeling sorry for themselves come Tuesday night.

“It’s an opportunity to get to a semi-final and that’s what we’ll be going to do.

“Hope there’s a feeling of hurt among the players – two points dropped from a strong position.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Christopher Morrison.

The assistant referees are Gavin Hegarty and Rachel Greer.

Evan Boyce has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Man1984, Coleraine.

Man1984, Coleraine has also kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascot this evening is Hugo.

The Man of the Match award will be sponsored by Holley Optometrists.

Admission:

Season tickets are not valid for the fixture – meaning everyone attending will need to buy tickets HERE.

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

The Social Club will be open from 6:30pm – with drink promotions on offer and football on the big screens.

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).