Matchday Guide: Glentoran

COLERAINE go in search of a return to winning ways as they face high flying Glentoran this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine suffered a defeat in their last Premiership outing as a poor start would be punished by Crusaders who went into a two-goal lead through McCauley Snelgrove and Philip Lowry. Despite halving the deficit through an own goal, the Bannsiders couldn’t earn a share of the spoils despite a second-half onslaught. The loss means Oran Kearney’s drop to sixth in the table as they were leapfrogged by Linfield after their draw against Cliftonville.

Glentoran come into the contest after their first defeat of the campaign against Glenavon on Tuesday. A goal from Aidan Wilson looked like continuing their unbeaten strike, however, the Lurgan Blues would have different ideas as Micheal Glynn and Aaron Prendergast netted for Gary Hamilton’s men. The loss meant Larne went top of the Premiership table ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, with Glentoran also in the semi-final of both the County Antrim Shield and BetMcLean Cup.

Previous meetings:

Coleraine would travel to The Oval in September and they would suffer a 1-0 defeat in east Belfast. In a low key opening 45 minutes, the first chance would land at the feet of Conor McMenamin but the winger would see his drive well saved by Martin Gallagher. Minutes later, Glentoran would go close again as Shay McCartan’s run and strike from just outside the box went inches wide of the near post. After the Bannsiders would see a penalty appeal come and go through as Matthew Shevlin went to ground, the Glens would take the lead on 62 minutes as McMenamin was in the right place at the right time to bag after Jay Donnelly saw a close range attempt saved. Coleraine introduced Michael McCrudden from the bench and the striker would have the Stripes’ last chance of the game as he blazed over from Lyndon Kane’s cross.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“They’ve been flying at the top of the league,” Kearney said.

“They have a huge amount of firepower and they’ve probably been the in-form team in the league and there’s no problem saying that.

“We can’t go out and gift what we gave Crusaders and we can’t go out with the same start.

“It’s so important that we go out and get that right.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Steven Gregg.

The assistant referees are Gavin Hegarty and Rachel Greer.

Declan Hassan has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Ballymoney Coleraine Supporters’ Club.

Ballymoney Coleraine Supporters’ Club and Stewart McPherson with Jonny Stewart has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascot this evening is Tommy Hutchinson.

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.

Glentoran 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.

The match will be shown live on BBC Two NI.

If you are not feeling yourself this evening and you have symptoms which you feel are similar to COVID-19, please stay away from the stadium and think of others.

As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).