Matchday Guide: Glentoran

COLERAINE are on their travels for the final time in the Danske Bank Premiership this season as they visit Glentoran this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine lost out last weekend as a late goal from Niall Quinn earned Linfield all three points at The Showgrounds. The Bannsiders would have several chances in the second-half but couldn’t find a way past Chris Johns as the Blues edged to victory. The defeat means Coleraine can no longer finish higher than sixth in the Danske Bank Premiership standings, with boss Oran Kearney able to call on the services of Dean Jarvis following suspension.

Glentoran have an outside chance of still finishing second and earning automatic European qualification as they trail Linfield by six points but have played a game less than their city rivals. The Glens were in strong form last weekend as they beat Cliftonville 3-0 at The Oval through goals from Junior and a brace from Bobby Burns. Rodney McAree’s men face Crusaders on the final day of the season.

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 last year, 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.

Two months ago, the Stripes would have to dig very deep to secure a point as Matthew Shevlin netted an 89th minute equaliser. After Shevlin would see a strike saved by Aaron McCarey, the hosts would be awarded a penalty on 22 minutes as Andy Scott was brought down by Luke McCullough. The resulting spot kick would be blazed over the bar by Shevlin. However, Coleraine wouldn’t have to wait long to make the breakthrough as Josh Carson’s cross from the right-hand side was steered into the net by Dean Jarvis for his second goal of the season. Glentoran would go into the interval level as a dangerous free-kick by Bobby Burns went into the net via a wicked deflection from Aaron Jarvis. The visitors would enjoy plenty of possession after the break with Coleraine looking more threatening on the counter. On 77 minutes, a cross into the box landed at Shevlin but the striker’s effort lacked conviction and was easily gathered by McCarey. Moments later, Oran Kearney’s men would go on the counter attack with Jamie Glackin teeing up Shevlin but the marksman’s drive was thwarted by the body of McCarey. With less than ten minutes remaining, Glentoran would hit the front as Conor McMenamin cut in from the right-hand side and hit an unstoppable curling effort into the top corner. In front of the Railway End, there would be late drama as a corner kick was headed on by Eamon Fyfe and Shevlin was in the right place at the right time to blast the ball home.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“These four or five games are tough but we keep saying that you want to go into the European Play-Off with a performance and our performance levels against Linfield were good,” Kearney said.

“We were obviously missing a few players here and there but you’re also trying to get players caught up like Andy Scott who’s missed a lot of football this season and Conor McKendry who’s been out injured for quite a period of time.

“We’ve a few on the treatment table and a few serving suspension so you’re trying to get all that sorted heading into the Play-Off.

“Glentoran will be a tough one and they had a good win against Cliftonville.

“Ideally, we’ll have a few extra bodies back and put in another good performance.”

Officials:

The match referee is Raymond Crangle.

The assistant referees are George Argyropoulos and Bogdan Sfirloaga.

Christopher Morrison has been allocated as fourth official.

Admission:

Supporters are advised that entry is via ticket only 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).