Matchday Guide: Larne

COLERAINE finalise their Sports Direct Premiership commitments with a trip to champions-in-waiting Larne at Inver Park (KO 5:30pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine would lose for the first time in nine matches last weekend as they were beaten 2-0 at home to Crusaders. Two first-half goals from Daniel Larmour and Jordan Forsythe would ultimately do the damage on the Ballycastle Road. The Stripes were able to welcome back Stephen Lowry from suspension but will lose the services of Aaron Jarvis this afternoon after his fifth caution of the season against Stephen Baxter’s side.

Larne put one hand and four fingers on the Gibson Cup title on Monday night as Andy Ryan’s penalty secured a 1-1 draw against Linfield at Windsor Park. The result means the Inver Reds lead the Premiership title race by three points and have a far superior goal difference on Linfield. If successful, it will mark back-to-back league triumphs for Tiernan Lynch’s side.

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 A bright start for Coleraine would come at a cost as Matthew Shevlin would have to be withdrawn after just 12 minutes following a robust tackle by Cian Bolger.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.

In March, Coleraine would earn a point for their efforts against the league leaders at The Showgrounds. Both teams would create chances in the opening 45 minutes as Andy Ryan twice went close for the visitors, whilst at the other end, Matthew Shevlin released the run of Jamie Glackin who was denied by the legs of Rohan Ferguson. Larne would have the first chance of the second-half as Levi Ives misfired from a good position inside the box, but Coleraine would have opportunities of their own as Shevlin, Conor McKendry and Jamie McGonigle all failed to hit the target. The final effort of the game would see Coleraine spurn the best chance of the contest as Glackin’s ball found Shevlin but the striker hit his effort the wrong side of the post.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We are now four days away from the European play-off semi-final,” Kearney said.

“It’s how we manage that as it’s no good for someone to rest for 10 days heading into that game, but we’ve got to be sure we’re heading into it nice and fresh.

“Ideally, we want to go as strong as we possibly can and get minutes into everybody to leave us with a good taste in our mouth heading into Wednesday night.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Raymond Crangle.

The assistant referees are Rachel Greer and Kristian Hanna.

Evan Boyce has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

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

Please note NO cash gate will be in operation.

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).