Matchday Guide: Loughgall

COLERAINE will aim to get back to winning ways as they welcome Loughgall to The Showgrounds this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders failed to make it four successive finals in the BetMcLean Cup as they were beaten 3-2 by Glenavon at The Showgrounds on Tuesday night. Their last Sports Direct Premiership fixture would also be against the Lurgan Blues as they were denied all three points late on as Calum Birney netted a last minute equaliser. Oran Kearney’s men remain 6th in the Premiership standings and they will be without the services of several key players for today’s contest, including Stephen O’Donnell, Josh Carson and Matthew Shevlin.

Similarly, Loughgall would lose out in the BetMcLean Cup as they were beaten 2-0 by Portadown at Shamrock Park. Dean Smith’s side would be punished for missing a litany of chances, with Alberto Balde sent-off for a tackle in the second-half. The Villagers are winless in their last four Premiership contests, however they did pick up a point after a 2-2 draw away at Carrick Rangers last weekend. The County Armagh side are 8th in the table and will play Rosemount Rec in the fifth round of the Irish Cup.

Previous Meetings:

In August, the Stripes would find themselves a goal down with just two minutes on the clock as a deep corner kick managed to somehow find its way to Andrew Hoey at the back post and the attacker stabbed the ball into the net. However, Coleraine wouldn’t find themselves behind for long as they equalised just two minutes later as Lee Lynch teed up Conor McKendry inside the box and the winger blasted the ball into the net via a deflection. After Gareth Deane thwarted Tiernan Kelly, the visitors took the lead as Andy Scott picked out the run of Andy Mitchell and the big striker gleefully rolled the ball beyond Beraat Turker. Oran Kearney’s men should have added to that advantage as David McDaid, Scott and Lynch all had chances thereafter, however, Deane would also be called into action to thwart Pablo Andrade. The Bannsiders would be awarded a penalty with just seven minutes remaining as McDaid was brought down inside the box by Caolan Loughran but once again Turker would produce heroics as he saved the spot kick.

Officials:

The match referee will be Christopher Morrison.

The assistant referees are George Argyropoulos and Gavin Hegarty.

Mark Milligan has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Colin McBride Residential.

Jessica Hutton Muscular Therapy has also kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascot this afternoon is Ollie.

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.

Loughgall fans will need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.

The Social Club will be open from 11:30am – with drink promotions on offer and football on the big screens.

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).