Matchday Guide: Newry City

COLERAINE are at home for a second successive Danske Bank Premiership fixture as Newry City visit The Showgrounds…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders come into the clash after last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Glentoran at The Showgrounds. Oran Kearney’s side had taken the lead through Dean Jarvis’ effort but this was cancelled out before the break courtesy of an Aaron Jarvis own goal. Just when Conor McMenamin’s wonder strike looked like giving the Glens all three points, Coleraine would find a late equaliser through Matthew Shevlin’s close range finish. The result means the Bannsiders dropped to fifth in the Premiership standings.

Newry travel to The Showgrounds on the back of a 2-0 home defeat to Carrick Rangers as ex-Coleraine striker Emmett McGuckin netted in both halves. City are 10th in the Danske Bank Premiership table but recently lifted the Mid-Ulster Cup after beating Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park. Darren Mullen added to his squad in the January transfer window with the acquisitions of Ola Adeyemo (Peterhead)
Matthew Lusty (Larne – loan) and Dylan Sloan (Larne – loan).

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.

Just last month, the Bannsiders would make a bright start as Matthew Shevlin had a goal disallowed for an apparent foul on Steven Maguire, before the stopper was in fine form to deny Lee Lynch and Conor McKendry. However, the breakthrough arrived on 34 minutes as Josh Carson netted his second goal of the campaign with a well taken free-kick. After Lynch would go close at the start of the second-half, Coleraine would go further ahead as Michael McCrudden latched onto a throw-in before rifling a strike into the bottom corner. Oran Kearney’s men will feel they should have put the game to bed as McKendry and Glackin would both go close, with the game turning on its head as Josh Carson was harshly adjudged to have fouled James Teelan inside the box. This allowed Daniel Hughes to convert from 12 yards. However, despite a late chance by Teelan being thwarted, Coleraine held on for a deserved three points.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It will be another tough one,” Kearney said.

“Newry have impressed me during our games against them both home and away.

“They’ve had a really strong first season for coming up and I’ve no doubt that it will be another tight game.

“We need to turn the point against Glentoran into a really good one by making sure we take the three points.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Evan Boyce.

The assistant referees are Paul Robinson and Gavin Hegarty.

Keith Kennedy has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Carmichael Cars, Ballymoney.

Alan Browne and Roland Holmes have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this evening are Alfie, Tommy and Georgia.

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.

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

Both sets of supporters are kindly asked to read the following matchday arrangements HERE.

A reminder that the match will be streamed live on the BBC Sport NI website and available on the Red Button.

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).