Matchday Guide: Glenavon

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine would lose for a seventh game in a row last weekend in all competitions as two second-half goals gave Carrick Rangers all three points. The Stripes would miss a guilt-edged chance in the opening 45 minutes as Jamie McGonigle was denied, with Carrick netting through efforts from David Cushley and Danny Purkis. The result means the Bannsiders are now 8th in the Premiership standings. Oran Kearney will be able to call on the services of Dean Jarvis from suspension, although Lyndon Kane has to sit out after accumulating five bookings.

Glenavon weren’t in action last weekend as the cold weather meant their home game against Glentoran was postponed. Stephen McDonnell’s side are currently 7th in the table and will face Larne in the sixth round of the Irish Cup. It has been a busy month of arrivals at Mourneview Park as McDonnell has drafted in Gareth Deane, Mark Byrne, David Toure, Darren Clarke, James Doona, Gavin Hodgins and Lido Lotefa.

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 in Premiership action in December 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.

Three days later, Coleraine would host Glenavon in the quarter-final of the BetMcLean Cup as the Bannsiders’ quest to reach a fourth successive decider came to an end. The visitors would take the lead through Jack Malone’s finish but Coleraine levelled two minutes later through Dean Jarvis. However, Glenavon would restore their lead before the break as Aaron Prendergast tapped the ball into the net. Despite having plenty of possession, the Stripes failed to level in the second-half and Cohen Henderson sealed the deal following a devastating counter-attack. A late goal by Conor McKendry was a mere consolation for Coleraine as Glenavon won 3-2.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It’s been tough and it’s just confidence,” Kearney said.

“I’ve had the privilege in the past where we’ve been on runs and we were unstoppable.

“We are in a position now where anything that could go wrong, does go wrong and on the other side of it it’s probably a little bit of confidence.

“Players are human beings, it has been a tough shift but it’s up to us to keep working hard.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Shane Andrews.

The assistant referees are Brian Wilson and Bogdan Sfirloaga.

Ian McNabb has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Ballymoney Coleraine Supporters’ Club.

Wilbert Marshall has also kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

Our mascot this afternoon is Sienna.

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.

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

The Social Club will be open from 12pm – with drink promotions on offer and football on the big screens.

Dessie Dickson and Joe Patton will be returning to the club this afternoon as our Special Guests.

Supporters are reminded they can recycle their old football boots for a good cause via a campaign involving the Northern Ireland Football League and Street Soccer NI 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).