COLERAINE and Portadown meet for the second time this season as the Bannsiders play host this afternoon (KO 5pm)…
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Overview:
Coleraine played out a 3-3 draw against Glenavon last weekend in a match that they will feel let slip as they led 2-0 and 3-1 at different stages of the contest. The Bannsiders find themselves 8th in the Premiership standings ahead of this weekend’s fixtures. The squad will be boosted by the return of Kyle McClelland from suspension after the defender missed out at Mourneview Park.
Portadown have a made stunning start on their return to the top flight by picking up notable victories against Larne, Glentoran, Ballymena United and Crusaders. Niall Currie’s men are 4th in the table and were narrowly beaten by Linfield last time out. The Shamrock Park outfit will face neighbours Annagh United in the fifth round of the Irish Cup.
Previous Meetings:
Coleraine would leave Shamrock Park with a share of the spoils after the hosts came from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 draw in September. The Stripes made the breakthrough with less than 10 minutes on the clock as Rhyss Campbell showed perseverance to slam the ball into the back of the net from close range. Before the break, Rory Brown made a stunning save to deny Baris Alintop who looked like netting from a header. On 70 minutes, Coleraine went 2-0 ahead as Matthew Shevlin converted from the spot after Cameron Stewart was fouled inside the box. However, Portadown mounted a spirited comeback as Mayse scored from close range, before Dougie Wilson fired in a stoppage time equaliser.
Head Coach’s Thoughts:
“Portadown are good away from home – they beat Ballymena 3-0 away, they beat Glentoran 2-0 away,” Shiels said.
“They’re getting lots of points away from home so we know it’s going to be difficult.
“They’re well organised, they’re very well together and have a good defensive structure.
“They’ve got players like Ryan Mayse who’s probably one of the best players in the league this season.
“He’s been scoring massively important goals so they’ve got threats at that end.
“They’re very dangerous from set-plays so we’re gonna have to be at our best or we’ll get very little on Saturday.”
Officials:
The match referee will be Lee Tavinder.
The assistant referees are Adam Jeffrey and Octavian George Neacsu.
Tony Clarke has been selected as the fourth official.
Sponsors:
The match sponsor is Colin McBride Residential.
Darren Mornin, Aspire Media N.I. CIC and Portadown Fireplaces have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.
The mascots this afternoon are Cari, Isla, Azalea, Noah and Ethan.
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 need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.
Due to a good expected at The Showgrounds, we encourage both sets of supporters to arrive at the ground in good time HERE.
As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).