McAree relishing Larne test

COLERAINE are eyeing a spot in the last four of the Tennent’s Irish Cup as they make the trip to Inver Park this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

The Bannsiders returned to winning ways last weekend as goals from Eoin Bradley (pen) and Ben Doherty were enough to overcome Glentoran at The Showgrounds. That result means there is now only three points between Coleraine and Glenavon – albeit the Lurgan Blues have a game in hand.

Larne continued their fine form last time out with a 2-0 win at H&W Welders, which means they are 18 points clear in the Bluefin Sport Championship with only six matches remaining. The Inver Park side have beaten Newry City and Crumlin Star en-route to the quarter-final stage.

The two sides clashed on two occasions last season in cup competitions as the Bannsiders won 4-1 in August 2017 in the BetMcLean League Cup. The second meeting was in last year’s semi-final and it took until the second-half for the deadlock to be broken as Lyndon Kane rattled home from 25 yards, before two ex-Coleraine players combined for Larne’s equaliser as David McDaid equalised from David Scullion’s cross. The Stripes recovered from that setback and regained the lead as Gareth McConaghie headed home from a corner kick, with Josh Carson sealing the win as he remained ice-cool from the penalty spot.

Coleraine boss Rodney McAree will be without the services of Lyndon Kane (metatarsal), Aaron Traynor (knee) and Alexander Gawne (ankle) for this evening’s clash. Wingers Dylan Davidson and Cormac Burke will also be missing as they are cup-tied. Influential midfielder Josh Carson is expected to be fit after suffering an ankle knock in a recent win against Dungannon Swifts. Furthermore, there was a massive boost recently as captain Stephen O’Donnell returned to the matchday panel after being sidelined with a knee injury, as well as Aaron Burns who is now fully fit following an Achilles injury suffered before Christmas.

McAree acknowledges that Larne pose a threat to his side but hopes that they can reach a third successive Irish Cup semi-final.

“You have to relish the challenge and it is going to be a tough one,” he said.

“Larne are a very good side – we have watched them and they play a very good brand of football.

“If we allow them to play they will cause us problems but it is one we look forward to and will work towards this week.

“There will be a good crowd and atmosphere – hopefully the new stand is open so that we can get more supporters to the game.

“There is nobody within this club that does not want to reach another Irish Cup Final so we have to do our best to try and make that happen.”

As ever, those unable to attend can follow the latest updates via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).

Supporters are reminded that entry to the ground is via tickets only. Furthermore, the game will be broadcast live on BBC Two NI, online and on the Red Button.