Matchday Guide: Larne

COLERAINE are in action for the final time in the Danske Bank Premiership this season as they face Larne at The Showgrounds (KO 5:30pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine would be punished for a poor first-half last weekend as they were beaten 3-0 by Glentoran at The Oval. Oran Kearney’s side would find themselves three goals behind at the break as Junior and Niall McGinn (2) got on the scoresheet for the hosts. The Bannsiders would suffer an injury blow as Adam Mullan had to be stretchered off with a fractured patella, with Conor McDermott also suspended for today’s clash. The Stripes know they can’t finish any higher than sixth and will compete in the end-of-season European play-offs.

Larne had a memorable week as they lifted the Gibson Cup for the first time in the club’s history last Friday night. On the pitch, Tiernan Lynch’s men drew 1-1 with Linfield as Andy Ryan’s sublime opener was cancelled by an equally eye catching goal from Stephen Fallon. The Inver Reds announced this week that Cian Bolger, Shaun Want and Leroy Millar have all new signed new deals to remain at Inver Park.

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.

At the end of last month, the Stripes would pick up a point for their efforts after the goalless stalemate at The Showgrounds. Coleraine would have the majority of the chances in the first-half as Aaron Jarvis, Dean Jarvis and Conor McKendry all went close, whilst at the other end, Gareth Deane dived to keep out Andy Ryan’s attempt. However, the game would turn on 65 minutes as Aaron Jarvis received a straight red card for an off the ball incident involving Micheal Glynn. With the man advantage, Larne would turn the screw and Deane would be busy late on as he expertly tipped over Joe Thomson’s goal bound effort, before producing a remarkable double save to deny Thomas Maguire in stoppage time.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We’re in a scenario in relation to injuries and suspension we’ve nothing to gain this weekend but we’ve a lot to gain in the game after that,” Kearney said.

“We sadly have to focus on that game in as much as you’d love to go as strong as you possibly can this afternoon and try and get a win.

“Playing guys that you could possibly lose for the following week would cause carnage and chaos going into the game that really matters.

“It’s very frustrating to be a part of where, yes, on one hand you want momentum and want to be going into those games with something behind you.

“But, on the other hand, you want to be trying to hit that game with your strongest possible team.

“If we don’t hit that game with our strongest possible team the responsibility lies with one person and one person only.

“I would be the first person to have a go at myself if we didn’t.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Keith Kennedy.

The assistant referees are Kristian Hanna and Rachel Greer.

Declan Hassan has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is William McNabb.

Derek Thorpe and Ronnie Hogg have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Ava, Eve, Ava, Paddy, Clara and Scarlett.

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).