Matchday Guide: Glenavon

COLERAINE go in search of a first win against Glenavon since March 2020 as the two teams square off this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders would make it three wins on the trot in the Danske Bank Premiership on Tuesday night as Matthew Shevlin (3) and Jamie Glackin netted in a 4-2 success against Carrick Rangers. The result sees Oran Kearney’s men lead the table at this early stage as they finish their August fixtures against tonight’s opponents. Coleraine were able to give a competitive debut to Jack O’Mahony at the Loughshore Leisure Arena after the midfielder’s move from Glenavon.

The Lurgan Blues have only played two matches so far this season as they drew 2-2 away to Ballymena United before being edged out by Larne at Mourneview Park. Remarkably, tonight’s visitors have finished both games with nine men as Eoin Bradley, Andrew Doyle, Calum Birney and Jack Malone have all been dismissed. Gary Hamilton has been busy adding to his squad in the summer as Rory Brown (Glentoran), Isaac Baird (Portadown), Eoin Bradley (Coleraine), Sean Carey (Shamrock Rovers – loan), Micheál Glynn (Derry City – loan), Conor Kerr (Loughgall) and Jack Malone (Derry City) have all joined the club.

Previous meetings:

The two teams met in October last year in what would prove to be a fourth successive draw between the sides. The Bannsiders would hit the crossbar through Conor McKendry in the first-half, with Kyle Beggs and Michael O’Connor also rattling the woodwork. Oran Kearney’s men would have the perfect chance to take the lead as Stephen Lowry had a penalty saved before Cathair Friel’s strike was cleared off the line by Mark Stafford. The Stripes would have further opportunities to find that elusive goal but their efforts would prove to be vain as both teams had to settle for a point at The Showgrounds.

Just before Christmas, Coleraine would make the journey to Mourneview Park and they would create plenty of chances in the opening 45 minutes but neither Rodney Brown or Matthew Shevlin could convert from a good position, with Matthew Snoddy and Peter Campbell going close at the other end. The second-half would be a more cagey affair with Coleraine striker Eoin Bradley being brought down when through on goal but Danny Wallace received a caution rather than being dismissed. With less than ten minutes to go, the Stripes would be hit with a sucker punch as Matthew Snoddy struck into the bottom corner.

In March this year, the Bannsiders would host the Lurgan Blues at a sunny Showgrounds and the visitors would make all the early running as Peter Campbell netted on 15 minutes. That lead was extended after the break as Matthew Fitzpatrick and Jack O’Mahony found the back of the net. However, the game would change on its head as Glenavon ‘keeper James Taylor received a straight red card and Coleraine would net two quick fire goals through Kirk McLaughlin and Curtis Allen but any chances of a dramatic comeback were distinguished when Adam Mullan was also dismissed.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“With Glenavon’s game being called off in midweek, it gives them a bit of an advantage where they are going into it a bit fresher,” Kearney said.

“We’ve a bit of momentum behind us, we are pleased with how it’s going but there’s things we’ve got to work on and things that weren’t perfect against Carrick Rangers.

“However, it’s important we hit the same levels this evening.

“With the game being played on a Friday evening, you’re hopeful that we get a good crowd out before the schools go back and everything that goes with it.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Shane Andrews.

The assistant referees are Jamie Carnduff and Stephen Bell.

Peter McGrath has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Homemakers Coleraine

Colin McPherson and Andy Guthrie have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this evening are Darcie and Faith McConaghie.

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 also need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.

Both sets of supporters are kindly asked to read the following matchday arrangements HERE.

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).