Matchday Guide: Linfield

COLERAINE are in action for the final time before Christmas as they are the visitors to Linfield this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine would fail to make any in-roads on the teams above them in the Premiership standings after a 3-2 defeat to Dungannon Swifts last weekend. The Bannsiders looked like securing all three points after coming from one-goal behind to lead 2-1 with a matter of minutes remaining. However, the Swifts would produce a late comeback to score twice and take all three points. The result means Coleraine stay in 6th spot in the table and they will once again be without a host of players for tonight’s clash at Windsor Park.

Linfield remained top of the Premiership table after a 2-0 away win at in-form Glenavon last weekend. The Lurgan Blues would be reduced to ten men early in the first-half and Linfield made their extra man count as Rhys Annett and Joel Cooper struck the decisive goals at Mourneview Park. David Healy’s side are through to the semi-final of the BetMcLean Cup and will face Warrenpoint Town in the fifth round of the Irish Cup early in the New Year.

Previous Meetings:

Linfield would earn all three points in the first meeting between the two sides this season with a 3-1 win at The Showgrounds. The Stripes would fall behind in the first-half as Kyle McClean found the bottom corner from a quick throw-in, with Coleraine going close at the other end as Matthew Shevlin steered wide from Conor McKendry’s cross. Coleraine would draw level on 53 minutes as Jamie Glackin bundled the ball into the net from David McDaid’s cross, however, Linfield would go ahead again as Chris Shields netted from the spot after Lyndon Kane was adjudged to have fouled McClean. The victory was secured for the visitors on 72 minutes as Joel Cooper unselfishly squared the ball for Chris McKee to convert, with McKendry blocking a certain fourth for the Blues to deny Cooper on the goal line.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“This is where character will come into it,” Kearney said after last weekend’s defeat to Dungannon Swifts.

“We have to take this one on the chin and the hurt that comes with it.

“We’ve got to go now and make sure we get ready for a big, big game on Friday night.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Lee Tavinder.

The assistant referees are Andrew Nethery and Kristian Hanna.

Shane Andrews has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

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