Matchday Guide: Linfield

COLERAINE will look to engrave their name on the BetMcLean Cup trophy for a third time as they face Linfield in the showpiece decider this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

BetMcLean Cup Final

Overview:

The Bannsiders prepared for today’s contest by beating rivals Ballymena United at The Showgrounds on Tuesday evening as Jamie Glackin, Conor McKendry and Josh Carson netted in a 3-1 success. That result means Oran Kearney’s are fifth in the Premiership standings as the post-split draws nearer. The Stripes reached their third successive BetMcLean Cup final by defeating Dergview, Ballymena United, Dungannon Swifts and Cliftonville.

Linfield were also in action on Tuesday night as they recorded a scoreless draw against leaders Larne at Inver Park. The reigning champions trail Tiernan Lynch’s side by seven points as the race for the Gibson Cup intensifies. David Healy’s side have beaten Moyola Park, Dundela, Annagh United and Glentoran en route to the final. The Blues are ten times winners of the competition and beat Coleraine in their only previous final showdown in 2000.

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.

Just two weeks ago, Coleraine would visit Windsor Park once again in Danske Bank Premiership duty. The hosts would be awarded a penalty on 13 minutes as Dean Jarvis was adjudged to have handled inside the box, allowing Chris Shields to keep his composure to send Gareth Deane the wrong way from 12 yards. Just after Daniel Finlayson headed wide, the Stripes would end the half strongly as Chris Johns made a sublime save to deny Jamie Glackin after he was picked out by Jack O’Mahony. Linfield would go further ahead on 50 minutes as Matthew Clarke was denied by a superb stop by Deane, however, the ball would land at Eetu Vertainen who had the simple task of finding the back of the net. It wasn’t to be Finlayson’s day as the defender smashed the woodwork with a header, with Coleraine threatening late on through Michael McCrudden.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“The games against Linfield have all been really tight,” Kearney said.

“When you take it out of that league structure and into a final it’ll be totally different again.

“The big focus for us is performance.

“We’re in it long enough now and been in enough finals now thankfully where it’s performance driven, it’s all about delivering a performance on the day.

“Last year, we delivered a performance for about 75-80 minutes but it wasn’t enough.

“This year we’ve got to go the whole hog and get a performance for the 90 minutes.”

Officials:

The match referee is Lee Tavinder.

The assistant referees are Paul Robinson and Bogdan Sfirloaga.

Jamie Robinson has been allocated as fourth official.

Admission:

Supporters are advised that entry is via ticket only HERE.

Fans are also asked to read the following safety and travel information from the PSNI HERE.

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 2:30pm.

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).