Matchday Guide: Portadown

COLERAINE continue their league campaign this afternoon as Portadown are the visitors to The Showgrounds…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine made it ten games unbeaten in all competitions as they sealed a 2-1 victory against Newry City on Tuesday night. A goal in each half from Josh Carson and Michael McCrudden was enough to edge out the hosts who netted a late penalty through Daniel Hughes. The Bannsiders could hand a debut to Andy Scott following his move from Larne, with Dean Jarvis also available for selection after serving a ban. Oran Kearney’s men are fifth in the table ahead of this weekend’s round of fixtures.

Portadown come into the fixture after beating Banbridge Town in the Irish Cup which sets up a clash against Glentoran in the next round. The Ports are currently bottom of the Premiership standings, however, boss Niall Currie has been quick to add to his squad as Aaron Canning (Coleraine)
Lee Chapman (Dundela), Cathair Friel (Coleraine – loan), Benny Igiehon (Dundela), Eoghan McCawl (Dundela), Paul McElroy (Ballymena United), Greg Moorhouse (unattached) and Chris Rodgers (Dundela) have all made the switch to Shamrock Park.

Previous meetings:

The two clubs would face each other back in August and a goal in each half by Matthew Shevlin would help the Bannsiders leave Shamrock Park with all three points. After Coleraine would threaten through Evan McLaughlin and Lee Lynch, the visitors would take a deserved lead on 20 minutes as a fantastic ball over the top of the Portadown defence by Conor McDermott was controlled by Matthew Shevlin who cleverly lobbed Jethren Barr. The Ports would hit the frame of the goal twice in the first-half as Jason Akiotu’s cross inadvertently came back off the post, before Martin Gallagher made a superb save to tip Jordan Jenkins’ effort onto the upright. The Stripes would stretch their lead on 47 minutes as a neat passage of play involving Jamie Glackin and Evan McLaughlin released McDermott on the right-hand side and his cross was headed into the net by Shevlin for his second of the afternoon. In truth, that killed the contest with Coleraine looking more likely to score a third goal as Lynch saw a strike comfortably saved by Barr, with Shevlin being denied a hat-trick after a smart block by Paddy McNally.

Coleraine made a return to winning ways as they netted twice in each half to bank a valuable three points at The Showgrounds in October. The hosts would take the lead after just four minutes as a corner kick by Lee Lynch was headed into his own net by Paddy McNally. Six minutes later, the advantage would be doubled as a lovely ball by Conor McDermott was seized upon by Lynch who had the vision and accuracy to lob the ball over Jethren Barr. The Bannsiders would nearly make it a first-half to remember as neat foot work by Lynch resulted in the midfielder arrowing a strike off the crossbar. The second-half would start in the same vein as it only took five minutes for Coleraine to make it 3-0 as Matthew Shevlin powered home after good initial work by James McLaughlin and McDermott. On 54 minutes, a fourth goal would be scored as Jamie Glackin laid the ball out to Lynch on the right-hand side, and after his cross wasn’t defended, McLaughlin would be on hand to rifle into the back of the net. Both teams would create half chances before the half-time whistle as Lynch hit an effort straight down the throat of Barr, whilst Don Tantale fired an opportunity over the crossbar from a corner kick.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It’s never an easy game against Portadown,” he said.

“They didn’t play on Tuesday night but not only that it’s the travel time and journey time, so it’s important we conserve as much energy as possible.

“There has been a turn for Portadown.

“They’re scoring a few more goals, they’re competitive in games and they’ve brought a few players in which has Niall’s stamp on it.

“We’ve got to ensure we turn up again on Saturday and get a performance.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Steven Gregg.

The assistant referees are Stephen Bell and Gavin Hegarty.

Tim Marshall has been selected as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is Milltown Spar, Ballymoney.

Robert McKane has kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascot this afternoon is Teddy Kane.

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.

Portadown fans will also 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.

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).