McAree: ‘We owe ourselves a performance’

COLERAINE will look to take points off Glenavon for the first time this season as the two sides lock horns at The Showgrounds tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

The Stripes booked their spot in the Sixth Round of the Irish Cup last time out as they celebrated a 2-0 success over H&W Welders. An own goal in the first-half, added to James McLaughlin’s fourth strike in as many games, sealed the holders’ passage through to the next round. As for the visitors, they put Rosemount Rec to the sword and will face Dungannon Swifts in the next round.

The meeting will be the third time the two sides have clashed this season and the Lurgan Blues have inflicted heavy defeats on the Bannsiders. The first was a 4-1 win at The Showgrounds in October, before Andy Mitchell bagged a brace in a 4-0 success live on BBC. The County Armagh side currently 4th spot in the Danske Bank Premiership, four points ahead of Coleraine.

Boss Rodney McAree will once again be without defensive reinforcements as Lyndon Kane, Aaron Traynor and Graham Crown are ruled out through injury. There is a further absentee as Aaron Burns continues his recovery from an Achilles injury. It is expected that January signings Ben Doherty and Jamie Glackin will be declared match fit after being withdrawn during last weekend’s win in the Irish Cup.

After suffering two heavy defeats against Gary Hamilton’s troops, boss McAree has challenged his players to put that right on the Ballycastle Road.

“We owe ourselves and the fans a performance against Glenavon this season,” he said.

“We are going into the game on the back of a five game unbeaten run, so we have to build on that and overcome a difficult obstacle.

“Glenavon are now the team who are directly above so they have to be our next target.”

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

Supporters are reminded that entry is via valid season tickets/matchday cards only.