Matchday Guide

Matchday Guide: Newry City

COLERAINE continue their busy January commitments as they make the lengthy journey to Newry City this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine would reach the sixth round of the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup after coming from behind to beat Loughgall at The Showgrounds. Despite trailing at the break, the Bannsiders would recover to run out 3-1 victors through goals from Conor McKendry, Matthew Shevlin and Michael McCrudden. As a result, Oran Kearney’s men will now face Cliftonville in the next stage of the competition at Solitude. Ahead of tonight’s fixture, the Stripes sit in 5th position in the table and will hope to maintain the pressure on the teams above them in the table.

Newry City will be looking to bounce back after being knocked out of the Irish Cup by H&W Welders as they fell to a 2-1 defeat. Darren Mullen’s side were last in Danske Bank Premiership action on Boxing Day as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Dungannon Swifts. The Mourne side are currently 10th in the table and have signed Matthew Lusty and Dylan Sloan on loan from Larne for the rest of the campaign.

Previous meetings:

Oran Kearney’s men would pick up all three points as Lee Lynch and Dean Jarvis netted after the break to seal the success for the Stripes in September. Coleraine would hit the crossbar after just sixty seconds when Josh Carson’s strike from the edge of the area clipped the top of the woodwork. The visitors will feel they should have edged in front on 20 minutes as Lorcan Forde sprung a quick counter attack but the winger’s attempt would be deflected wide for a corner. Just after Evan McLaughlin went close again, Coleraine took the lead on 54 minutes as a clever ball by Josh Carson released Lee Lynch and he did the rest to convert his first goal for the club. Four minutes later, that advantage would be doubled as Conor McDermott and Jamie Glackin combined to find Dean Jarvis who also netted his first Coleraine goal. Coleraine would have further chances to add to their tally as Glackin and Matthew Shevlin both went close, with Conor McKendry denied a goal by the linesman’s flag.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It will be a tough game,” Kearney said.

“We beat them 2-0 earlier in the season but it was tough and we had to wait to score twice in the second-half.

“They’ve acquitted themselves very good to life back in the Premiership.

“We know it’s going to be tough so it’s all about selecting a team that’s going to get a result.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Christopher Morrison.

The assistant referees are Ryan Kelsey and Jamie Patterson.

Barry Monaghan has been selected as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters can buy tickets for the fixture which can be purchased HERE.

Alternatively, fans can pay at the gate.

If you are not feeling yourself this evening 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).