COLERAINE go in search of maintaining their good run of form as they are the visitors to Larne for a tea-time assignment in the Premiership (KO 5:30pm)…

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Overview:

Coleraine made it three wins in succession last weekend as Declan McManus’ late free-kick saw off the challenge of Glenavon at Mourneview Park. The victory ended a near six-year wait for a league success at the venue, with the Bannsiders moving up to 7th in the Premiership table. Dean Shiels will have Lyndon Kane back from suspension after the defender served a one-match ban last weekend.

After suffering an east Antrim derby loss to Carrick Rangers, the Inver Reds have won their last two fixtures against Loughgall and Ballymena United. Those six points have moved Gary Haveron’s men up to third in the standings ahead of this weekend’s run of fixtures. Olatunde Bayode (Bruno’s Magpies),  Tiarnan O’Connor (H & W Welders) and Harry Panayiotou (Sirens) all joined in the January transfer window.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine and Larne would have to settle for a share of the spoils after a 1-1 draw on the Ballycastle Road in September. The Bannsiders would make a bright start and threatened on several occasions as Matthew Shevlin, Kyle McClelland and Connor Murray were all denied. Just after Conor McKendry had a strike saved by Rory Brown, Coleraine would hit the front from the spot through Shevlin after Sam Todd was adjudged to have handled inside the box. Coleraine spurned a few chances to double the advantage as Larne drew level on 69 minutes with a penalty of their own when McKendry went down inside the area. The resulting spot kick was dispatched by Andy Ryan. Both teams created chances to win the contest as Benji Magee was thwarted by Brown, whilst at the other end, Rhyss Campbell headed wide from Jack Scott’s cross.

Coleraine were edged out by Larne in a hard-fought Premiership encounter at Inver Park in November. The hosts made the breakthrough just two minutes after the restart as Josh Seary’s cross found Paul O’Neill’s near post run and the striker converted beyond the reach of Max Little. However, Coleraine levelled proceedings on 57 minutes as Lyndon Kane took centre stage. The skipper rampaged forward and cut the ball back for Jamie Glackin to smash home his third goal of the season. Six minutes later, Larne’s advantage was restored as Conor McKendry’s strike from distance whistled into the back of the net as Coleraine lost out.

Head coach’s Thoughts:

“This league throws different challenges at you,” he said.

“When you go to Glenavon it’s different to going to Linfield. At Linfield, we were outstanding in possession and the two goals we scored were really good.

“Each game gives you a different obstacle to find a way of winning and the next one will be the same.

“It’ll be a different game at Larne and we will need to have the same attitude of finding a way to win.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Jamie Robinson.

The assistant referees are Adam Jeffrey and Richard Hegarty.

Mark Dillon has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters are advised that they require tickets to enter the ground which can be bought HERE.

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

We would urge supporters to arrive at the ground in good time and respect residents and businesses in terms of parking your vehicle.

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