Matchday Guide: Glentoran

JAMIE Glackin returns from suspension as the Bannsiders welcome Glentoran to The Showgrounds this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine come into the fixture on the back of two successive defeats to Cliftonville (Irish Cup) and Ballinamallard United (North-West Senior Cup). The Stripes would crash out of the Irish Cup on penalties, with a young side beaten by Ballinamallard United in the decider of the North-West Cup at The Showgrounds. Oran Kearney will have Jamie Glackin back at his disposal after the midfielder completed a three-match ban as the Stripes aim to maintain the pressure on the teams above them in the Danske Bank Premiership.

Glentoran arrive on the Ballycastle Road with ex-Coleraine boss Rodney McAree at the helm. The visitors have been in a rich vein of form since McAree’s appointment as they have won all four games, including last weekend’s 3-0 victory at Portadown in the Irish Cup. The east Belfast side have been drawn away to Crusaders in the quarter-final of the competition. The Glens added Alex Henderson, Niall McGinn and Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe to their squad in the recent January transfer window.

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.

In November, Coleraine and Glentoran would lock horns at The Showgrounds as both defences would ultimately end up on top. The visitors would create the first two chances of the contest as Daniel Purkis hit straight at Gareth Deane, before the stopper had to stand firm to palm away Conor McMenamin’s effort. The Bannsiders would grow into the fixture and forged two opportunities in as many minutes as Matthew Shevlin’s hit the post, with Aaron Jarvis then testing the gloves of Aaron McCarey moments later. The first-half would end with two contentious decisions as Bobby Burns and Dean Jarvis would be booked for challenges on Aaron Jarvis and Conor McMenamin respectively. The second-half would be a more cagey affair with each team going close as Deane was forced to palm away Shay McCartan’s dipping strike, whilst at the other end, Lyndon Kane fired over the crossbar from Jamie Glackin’s cut back.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“I don’t have to pick the players up as we are in a good place and they are a good bunch who wants to do well,” Kearney said.

“To be fair, they are doing really well and it was a tough 48 hours after the Cliftonville result but there’s a lot to play for until the end of the season.”

“It will be great having Jamie back available.

“There’s no doubt it’s going to be tough and they have their own agenda with Rodney in charge.

“We’ve got to come out firing on all cylinders.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Christopher Morrison.

The assistant referees are Stephen Bell and Andrew Nethery.

Ross Dunlop has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Eventsec.

John O’Hare (Clyde Bar), Chris Gregg (No Pain No Gain) and Graeme Maguire with Geoff Freeman have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Ellen, Darragh, Sam, Daire, Rylee, Jack, Reuben, Rebecca, Zach, Noah and Luis.

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 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 this afternoon 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).