Matchday Guide: Larne

COLERAINE and Larne meet for the second time this season and here is everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s clash (KO 8pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine failed to leapfrog Glentoran into 5th spot in the Premiership standings as the Bannsiders drew 0-0 against the east Belfast side at The Showgrounds on Monday night. Warren Feeney’s side missed three good chances to take a half-time lead but Coleraine were much improved after the break as Matthew Shevlin twice went close in the last 15 minutes. The Stripes will be boosted by the return of Conor McKendry who was forced to sit out the visit of the Glens due to suspension.

Larne cut the gap at the top of the Sports Direct Premiership to five points after an important 2-1 win away at Linfield. Tiernan Lynch’s men found themselves behind early doors as Joel Cooper opened the scoring, but they levelled in spectacular style as Mark Randall’s fierce effort from distance found the back of the net. Larne’s match winner would arrive on 55 minutes as Levi Ives crossed for the in-form Joe Thomson who glanced a deft header into the bottom corner. The Inver Reds will also meet Linfield at home in the quarter-final of the BetMcLean Cup.

Previous Meetings:

The two teams couldn’t be separated after 90 minutes of football on the Ballycastle Road in August. Larne would have the majority of half chances in the first-half as Lee Bonis had a free-kick palmed away by Gareth Deane, with the stopper alert to also prevent Joe Thomson’s rasping drive finding the bottom corner. At the other end, ex-Larne trio Lee Lynch, Conor McKendry and David McDaid would all see opportunities go off target. The Inver Reds would bring on Thomas Maguire at the start of the second-half and the winger would flash an attempt wide before seeing a cross clip the top off the crossbar. However, the Bannsiders’ big chance would arrive with 20 minutes to go as Lyndon Kane went on a traditional run forward and his strike from 25 yards came back off the post.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“Not even the goals and assists Conor produces, it’s the possibility he brings to get you up the pitch and into the final third,” said Kearney as Conor McKendry returns from suspension.

“A lot of times our chances in the final third weren’t brilliant on Monday night and Conor is someone who helps us to get into those areas and he’s been very big for us this season.

“It’s great to have him back and Matthew Shevlin who was out for three games.

“We’ve tried to keep Matthew as fresh as possible and it’s been a frustrating two-and-a-half weeks for him.

“It’s great to get him back out there and hopefully he can kick-on.

“We will go there in a positive mood.

“We’ve had some good moments down there and some tough ones.

“It’s important we recharge the batteries and get set-up for another big one.

Officials:

The match referee will be Keith Kennedy.

The assistant referees are Andrew Nethery and Rachel Greer.

Christopher Morrison has been selected as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters will require tickets for the contest which can be bought HERE.

Supporters are advised that heavy traffic is expected due to the Christmas light switch-on in Larne this evening HERE.

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).