COLERAINE host Larne in Premiership action as the post-split schedule continues this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

SPORTS DIRECT PREMIERSHIP

Overview:

Coleraine moved up to fourth in the Premiership table after a 3-2 success against Dungannon Swifts last weekend. The Bannsiders had led 2-0 through goals from Jack Scott and Dean Jarvis but the Swifts hit back to level by the the hour mark. Just when the game looked like it would end in a draw, Jamie Glackin would have different ideas as his stunning 25-yard strike sailed beyond the dive of Declan Dunne and into the bottom corner.

Larne are currently four points clear of Coleraine in third and played out a 2-2 draw against Crusaders last time out. The Inver Reds had the advantage at the break through Paul O’Neill’s strike but it was cancelled out through Philip Lowry’s close-range finish. It would be a case of deja-vu thereafter as Larne’s lead was once again cancelled out as Shaun Want’s goal was followed-up by Stewart Nixon’s equaliser.

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.

Last month, Dean Shiels’ men would leave Inver Park with a share of the spoils after a 1-1 draw in east Antrim. Coleraine made a bright start and should have taken the lead inside the opening minute as Jamie Glackin smashed the crossbar from Kyle Spence’s cross. Just after Paul O’Neill headed wide from an inviting position for the hosts, the Bannsiders had the best two opportunities before the break as Connor Murray and Glackin both had sights at goal. The breakthrough arrived on 75 minutes when a long ball forward sent Matthew Shevlin through on goal and he had the composure to round Rohan Ferguson and tap the ball into an empty net. However, Larne ensured they would have a point to show for their efforts when a quick free-kick routine saw Andy Ryan bundle the ball in at the back post.

Head Coach’s Thoughts:

“I think we’ve got to keep the same belief in what we’re doing,” Shiels said in his pre-match press conference.

“We are trusting in our preparation…but we know they’ve got threats and good players.

“I felt the performance down at Larne recently was exceptional and we were really unlucky not to come away with three points that day.

“It’s about finding a way to win. We are isolating the games now and Larne are next and that’s the only one that matters.

“It’s about trying to find a way of getting the three points. It might be different ways and we are winning games differently now.

“We are seeing big players popping up in big moments like Dylan Boyle vs Portadown, Jamie Glackin vs Dungannon Swifts and Declan McManus at Glenavon.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Shane Andrews.

The assistant referees are Stephen Bell and David Burns.

Christopher Morrison has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Leak Seeker.

Chris Gray/Dave McNaughton & Hayley Currie have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Isla, Cari, Elijah, Raffa.

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 HERE.

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

Due to a good crowd 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).