COLERAINE are in action for the final time in 2024 as they face Loughgall at Lakeview Park this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

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Overview:

Coleraine failed to turn their dominance into three points on Boxing Day as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Ballymena United at The Showgrounds. After trailing by two goals at the interval, the Bannsiders forged a rally as Cameron Stewart and Matthew Shevlin both netted to level the score. Despite late pressure, Coleraine couldn’t get the match winning goal their efforts deserved as they remained 8th in the Premiership standings.

Loughgall lost out on Boxing Day as they were beaten 2-1 by Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park. After being behind to goals from Dean Curry and John McGovern, the Villagers set-up a grandstand finish as Jay Boyd’s header looped into the net. However, the Swifts held firm as Loughgall remain bottom of the Premiership standings. The Villagers will face Institute away from home in the fifth round of the Irish Cup.

Previous Meetings:

Coleraine would seal a 2-0 win against the Villagers as they netted late goals in both halves in September. After sustained pressure, the hosts made the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time after Ciaron Harkin was brought down inside the box by Luke Cartwright. This allowed Jamie McGonigle to step up and rattle home his first goal of the campaign. Coleraine ensured all three points on the counter attack near the end as Matthew Shevlin was played through and he dispatched beyond Nathan Gartside.

In November, Coleraine would leave Lakeview Park with all three points as Matthew Shevlin (2), Jamie McGonigle and Rhyss Campbell all netted in a 4-0 success. After a blistering start which saw a few chances come and go, Coleraine took the lead with six minutes on the clock as Campbell’s cross was headed into the net by Shevlin. After previously being denied by Nathan Gartside on two occasions, McGonigle finally got himself on the scoresheet as he latched onto Jamie Glackin’s through ball and made no mistake. Dean Shiels’ side had a third goal to celebrate before the break as a devastating counter-attack led to McGonigle’s cross finding Campbell who lashed home. The three points were secured on 59 minutes as a flicked header from a corner-kick found an unmarked Shevlin and he had the simple task of converting from a matter of yards.

Head coach’s Thoughts:

“It’s a place that’s difficult to go,” Shiels said.

“They’ve picked up, they’ve had good results recently and we’re going to have to improve on our finishing today.

“We were ruthless the last time we went there by scoring four goals, so hopefully we can replicate that.

“We’ve got plans in place for January and we’ve got plans in place for June.

“This is a long-term project and we want to see ourselves in a much-stronger place next year.

“The potential this club has is massive and we are working extremely hard to improve the first-team squad all the time.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Mark Dillon.

The assistant referees are Andrew Nethery and David Burns.

Christopher Morrison has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters can purchase tickets for the fixture which can be bought HERE. However, a cash gate will also be in operation.

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).