Matchday Guide: Larne

COLERAINE complete their pre-split schedule as league leaders Larne visit The Showgrounds this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders will look to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Glenavon as two second-half goals earned the Lurgan Blues all three points at Mourneview Park. The Stripes find themselves sixth in the Premiership standings but will hope for a positive outcome ahead of the post-split fixtures which start next month.

Larne come into the fixture top of the league and grinded out a 1-0 victory against Ballymena United last weekend as Andy Ryan netted a first-half winner. Tiernan Lynch’s side are four points clear in the Danske Bank Premiership table and will face Ballymena United in the semi-final of the Irish Cup next weekend.

Previous meetings:

Coleraine and Larne faced each other at the start of October as the Bannsiders lost for a second successive fixture. After missing a guilt-edged chance to take the lead through Jamie Glackin’s close range effort, the Stripes would fall behind as Leroy Millar got his head onto a long ball to nod past Martin Gallagher. Both teams would see chances come and go at either end but a decisive second would arrive from the boot of Paul O’Neill to seal all three points for the hosts.

However, would Coleraine would enact some revenge at the same venue just a month later after recording a 2-0 win. The Stripes would take the lead after just four minutes on the clock as a delivery into the box by Conor McKendry was headed into the net by Matthew Shevlin. On the half hour mark, Coleraine would have Gareth Deane to thank as the stopper made a great save to tip Lee Bonis’ well driven effort over the crossbar. After Shevlin would see a one-on-one opportunity come and go, the Bannsiders would double their advantage in first-half stoppage time as McKendry played a neat one-two before lashing an effort beyond the reach of Rohan Ferguson. Oran Kearney’s men would have the first two chances after the break as McKendry and Shevlin both went close, whilst at the other end, Deane would have to dive to his right to keep out Ben Doherty’s free-kick.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We need to go into the split in a positive manner,” Kearney said.

“You just don’t know what will happen in those next six games.

“There are greater gains to be made by all teams playing each other.

“We have got to hit double figures out of those 18 points available to ensure we are in a favourable position.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Shane Andrews.

The assistant referees are Gavin Hegarty and George Argyropoulos.

Declan Hassan has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Dallas Mortgages.

Century 22, Nevin Brewster and Tom Christie have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Fionn, Lucas and Max.

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.

Larne 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).