Matchday Guide: Newry City

COLERAINE go in search of another valuable three points as they are the visitors to Newry City this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Sports Direct Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine picked up a big win last Friday night as three second-half goals from Matthew Shevlin, Jamie McGonigle and Aaron Jarvis earned the Stripes a 3-0 victory against Linfield. The success moved the Bannsiders back into 6th spot as the race for a top-six finish continues. The Bannsiders welcomed back Jamie Glackin and Dean Jarvis back from injury last week.

Newry City will look to bounce back from last weekend’s 8-2 defeat to Glentoran at The Oval. The loss means Barry Gray’s side are rooted to the bottom-of-the-table and are five points behind Ballymena United in 11th. The border side were recently knocked out of the Irish Cup by Newington but will hope their new January additions will help turn the tide.

Previous Meetings:

In September, Coleraine would pick up all three points following a 3-1 success at The Showgrounds. In a low-key first-half, Coleraine would edge in front on 40 minutes as Josh Carson arrowed a low strike into the bottom corner for his first goal of the season. The lead would be doubled on 56 minutes as Jamie Glackin’s cross was on the money for Matthew Shevlin to head home from close range. However, Newry would half the deficit on 77 minutes as Lee Newell’s strike from distance found the bottom corner. Despite the prospect of a nervy ending, the Bannsiders would add a decisive third as Andy Mitchell pounced from inside the box to bag all three points.

A month later, the Bannsiders would beat Newry yet again this time with a 2-0 scoreline away from home. The game would have a big talking point with just seven minutes on the clock as Newry defender Stephen Moan was dismissed for a robust tackle on Andy Scott. However, despite having a man less, Newry created several big chances as Ciaran O’Connor and Barney McKeown both struck the post, whilst Ryan McGivern’s header was tipped over the bar by Gareth Deane. Coleraine would break the deadlock in first-half stoppage time as a long ball forward was kept alive by Matthew Shevlin and Conor McKendry was in the right place at the right time to pounce from close range. On 57 minutes, the Stripes would strengthen their advantage as Shevlin was once again involved as he attempted to release McKendry inside the box. A loose ball wasn’t dealt with by City and McKendry showed his predatory instincts to tap the ball into the net.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“The only thing that builds momentum, which is the hardest thing to grasp and the hardest thing to create, realistically it only comes from winning games of football,” Kearney said.

“Listen, it was only three points last Friday, that’s all it was and we’ve got to keep driving and driving that performance level.

“To me, if we can keep those guys out on the pitch we can keep driving performances.

“If we haven’t been stung enough times this season in relation to the supposed teams below us or teams around us or whatever it might be.

“We’re all long enough in the tooth to know what it takes to go an win a game of football and get three points at this level.

“I said it to the players – enjoy the Linfield win for 24 hours, it’s been a long time coming, but in the same stretch it’s really important now that we go and back it up next week with another three points.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Tim Marshall.

The assistant referees are Brian Wilson and Shane Corrigan.

Jamie Robinson has been appointed as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters will require tickets for the contest which can be bought HERE.

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).