Matchday Guide: Larne

COLERAINE welcome league leaders Larne to The Showgrounds this afternoon as the Bannsiders aim to start March on a winning note (KO 3pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine would record back-to-back victories in the Premiership in their last outing as Conor McKendry and Matthew Shevlin netted in a 2-0 success at Newry City. That victory would strengthen the Bannsiders’ grip on 6th spot as the post-split schedule looms large. Oran Kearney’s men weren’t in action last weekend due to the Irish Cup quarter-finals taking place.

Larne are in the in-form team in the division as they remain one point clear in the Premiership standings. The Inver Reds are unbeaten in over 20 matches in all competitions and haven’t conceded a league goal in 579 minutes of football. The Inver Reds – who won the County Antrim Shield earlier in the campaign – will face Cliftonville in the semi-final of the Irish Cup at the end of the month.

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.

In November, Larne would secure all three points via a 2-0 win at Inver Park. A bright start for Coleraine would come at a cost as Matthew Shevlin would have to be withdrawn after just 12 minutes following a robust tackle by Cian Bolger. Less than sixty seconds later, Larne would take the lead as Sean Graham’s cross was headed into the net by an onrushing Joe Thomson. Coleraine almost levelled through Larne’s own doing on 34 minutes as ‘keeper Rohan Ferguson was caught in possession and the ball landed at the feet of Jamie Glackin. The midfielder would hit a first time effort towards goal that was cleared off the line by Bolger. A slow start to the second-half would burst into life on 58 minutes with the arrival of Lee Bonis and Andy Ryan off the bench. The duo would combine for the next attempt of the match but Ryan fizzed an effort wide after Bonis’ lay-off. However, Tiernan Lynch’s side would bag the three points on 89 minutes as Ives’ corner kick was met by the head of Leroy Millar who expertly guided the ball into the top corner.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We have used the two weeks wisely,” Kearney said.

“There’s been a few guys who have needed a wee bit of cotton wool and then a few guys who’ve needed ramped up and kicked on.

“We played an in-house game last Saturday and we are looking forward to the game.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Jamie Robinson.

The assistant referees are Adam Jeffrey and Andrew Nethery.

Declan Hassan has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Adams Transport.

Darren Mornin has also kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this afternoon are Alex, Tom, Rylee and Regan.

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.

The Social Club will be open from 11:30am – with football on the big screens, post-match entertainment and drink promotions.

Jamsie will be returning to the club this evening as our Special Guest HERE.

Due to a good 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).