LOVE is in the air as Coleraine celebrate Valentine’s Day by hosting Glentoran this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

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Overview:

Coleraine picked up all three points last weekend as Rhyss Campbell’s second-half strike saw off Carrick Rangers at Taylors Avenue. In a game largely dominated by the Bannsiders, the breakthrough finally arrived when Campbell prodded in from Connor Murray’s corner. The result means Coleraine remain 8th in the Premiership standings ahead of this weekend’s games.

Glentoran are on the crest of a wave after not being beaten in their last 14 games in all competitions. That consistent run of form has resulted in the Glens picking up the County Antrim Shield, reaching the final of the BetMcLean Cup and into the quarter-final of the Irish Cup. Declan Devine’s men are currently second in the league table after edging out Dungannon Swifts last weekend.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine would leave The Oval with a hard-earned point as neither team could make the breakthrough back in August. Both teams would create plenty of chances in the first-half as Matthew Shevlin twice went close – either side of Jamie McGonigle’s thunderbolt – with Jordan Jenkins and Cameron Palmer having attempts at the other end. In a game played in tricky conditions, Glentoran would have the better of the opportunities after the break as Jenkins and David Fisher tried their hardest to find the back of the net.

In October, Dean Shiels’ men would recover from a one-goal deficit to earn all three points as Matthew Shevlin netted a deadly double. Glentoran hit the front on 20 minutes as a free-kick from Daniel Amos was on the money for Frankie Hvid to head home from close range. The Bannsiders’ best chance in the first-half landed at the feet of Shevlin but he was thwarted by a great save from Daniel Gyollai. Just when it looked like it wasn’t going to be Coleraine’s day, the hosts hit Glentoran with a quickfire double to turn the game on its head. The equaliser arrived on 72 minutes when Senan Devine’s endeavour was rewarded when Shevlin turned and fired into the roof of the net, before the same player added his second of the afternoon four minutes later after Dean Jarvis sent a ball into the box.

Head Coach’s Thoughts:

“The lads are feeling good about themselves and there’s a good feeling amongst the camp,” Shiels said.

“Over the last few weeks the performances have been pretty good but we are now starting to get points on the board.

“I thought we were outstanding against Cliftonville and then dug in and scrapped to win at Carrick – so we are looking to build on that.

“Every team outside Linfield and maybe Glentoran are searching for momentum and we’re now feeling like we have some.

“Hopefully we can keep that motoring and build on that.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Ben McMaster.

The assistant referees are John Doherty and Brian Wilson.

Tony Clarke has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is McLaughlin Plumbing & Heating, Coleraine.

Camus-Juxta-Bann Church (Macosquin) and Alan McMillan have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this evening are Cole, Lucas, John, Harry and Leo.

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.

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

The game will be streamed live on the BBC Sport NI website and available via the Red Button.

A bucket collection will take place for St John’s Ambulance in Coleraine.

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).