Matchday Guide: Linfield

COLERAINE end February with a fixture away to reigning champions Linfield this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine would lose for the first time in 14 matches last weekend as they were beaten 2-0 by Crusaders at Seaview. A first-half strike from Paul Heatley added to Adam Lecky’s finish meant the Bannsiders dropped down to fifth position in the Danske Bank Premiership. Today’s clash is a dress rehearsal for the upcoming BetMcLean Cup final between the two clubs on March 12. Oran Kearney will be sweating on the fitness on several players before the contest at the National Stadium.

Linfield returned to winning ways last weekend after a 2-0 win against Carrick Rangers at Windsor Park, with Eetu Vertainen and Kyle McClean getting on the scoresheet. David Healy’s men are third in the Premiership standings – seven points behind leaders Larne who knocked them out of the Irish Cup. Linfield added Rhys Annett (Dundela), Max Haygarth (unattached), Kyle Lafferty (Kilmarnock) and Ryan McKay (Dundela) to their squad in the January transfer window.

Previous meetings:

It would be a case of the defences at The Showgrounds as neither side went close to breaking the deadlock at The Showgrounds back in October. In front of a full capacity, the first chance would fall at the feet of Conor McDermott but the full-back’s strike was easily gathered by Chris Johns. After Joel Cooper flashed a free-kick inches wide, the Blues would spurn the chance of the game on the stroke of half-time as Stephen Fallon headed over from Kirk Millar’s cross. With less than a minute of the second-half played, Coleraine would threaten as Josh Carson’s free-kick forced Johns into a save before Jamie Glackin failed to find the target from 25 yards. The final opportunity of the contest would be created by Linfield as Cooper teed up Fallon but his effort fizzed wide.

Similarly, the two teams would start 2023 with a goalless draw at Windsor Park. Linfield would have all the opportunities in the first-half as Eetu Vertainen headed wide from Jamie Mulgrew’s cross, with Martin Gallagher called into action to tip Daniel Finalyson’s header over the bar soon after. The final chance of the opening 45 minutes would land at the boot of Joel Cooper but the winger’s attempt was comfortably saved by Gallagher. David Healy’s men would go close on 53 minutes as Vertainen once again saw a header go off target, with the Finnish striker being frustrated later on as he was denied by Gallagher with a smart save. Coleraine – who had plenty of possession but lacked a killer pass – would create the final two chances of the game as debutant Eamon Fyfe hit a free-kick straight into the gloves of Chris Johns, before the same player would see a shot on the turn go over the crossbar.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We have to freshen up and put things right,” he said.

“Being away to Crusaders and Linfield, you’re targeting four points and six would be brilliant, but we are now at a point where we have to win that game.

“We want to be at game 33 in the mix and in and around that area where it’s exciting and something to play for.

“We’ve spent the last 14 clawing our way into that space and we don’t want to let go of it.

“I can’t question or query what I’ve got out of the players in the last three or four months, so it’s up to us to get back on it with a really big reaction.”

Officials:

The match referee is Shane Andrews.

The assistant referees are Stephen Bell and George Argyropoulos.

Tony Clarke has been allocated as fourth official.

Admission:

Supporters are advised that entry is via ticket only 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).