Matchday Guide: Loughgall

COLERAINE go in search of finishing 2023 on a high as they welcome Loughgall to The Showgrounds this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine would lose for a third straight Premiership fixture on Boxing Day as they suffered a 3-1 defeat away at Ballymena United. Despite holding a half-time lead through Dean Jarvis’ header, the Sky Blues would rally after the break to take all three points through goals from Johnny McMurray and a brace from Noah Stewart. The defeat means Coleraine remain in 6th spot in the table and they will have to do without the services of Conor McKendry through suspension after his dismissal against the Braidmen.

Loughgall picked up a morale boosting win on Boxing Day as they inflicted a 2-1 defeat on Dungannon Swifts at Lakeview Park. Just when both teams looked like having to settle for a share of the spoils, in-form Benji Magee would net a late stoppage time winner. The Villagers are ninth in the Premiership standings and will face 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.

Earlier this month, Coleraine would return to winning ways after a 3-2 success against the Villagers at The Showgrounds. The Stripes would take the lead on 14 minutes as Ciaran O’Hara marked his first start by heading in from Jamie Glackin’s corner, although Loughgall would reply through Tiarnan Kelly’s rasping strike from distance. However, the hosts would regain their lead before the break as a breakaway involving Lyndon Kane and David McDaid resulted in Lee Lynch finding the back of the net. Just after the hour mark, Coleraine would make it 3-1 as Conor McKendry finished off a sweeping move but they received a blow with ten minutes remaining as McDaid was dismissed for a robust challenge on Nathaniel Ferris. Loughgall made it 3-2 with the last kick of the match as Benji Magee swept a low effort into the bottom corner.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It was a poor decision by Conor and I appreciate in the heat of the moment and everything else those things can happen,” Kearney said of McKendry’s red card on Boxing Day.

“It’s a bit like David McDaid’s one a few weeks ago (against Loughgall) where it’s not only repercussions of that game but it’s the impact it has for the next few fixtures.

“We are expecting business in January.

“We need a reboot in relation to making sure we get the right players in.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Tony Clarke.

The assistant referees are Richard Hegarty and Gavin Hegarty.

Shane McGonigle has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Gleam Property Services.

Meat Box has also kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascot this afternoon are Harry, Riley, Eden, Zack and Scarlett.

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 12am – with drink promotions on offer and football on the big screens.

Darren Henderson will be returning to the club this afternoon as our Special Guest.

Meanwhile, fans of both clubs are encouraged to pay tribute to Lydia Ross who sadly lost her life on the 21st minute.

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).