Midweek Matchup

COLERAINE and Crusaders square off for the first time this season as the Sky Sports cameras roll into town (KO 7:45pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders would miss the chance to record three successive wins last weekend as they drew 4-4 with Glenavon at Mourneview Park. Oran Kearney’s men would lead 2-0 and 4-2 during stages of the game but they would have to settle for a point after going down to ten men after 14 minutes. The highlight of the afternoon belonged to Ben Doherty who fired home a hat-trick to make it eight goals for the season.

Crusaders have made a strong start to the season after recording three wins from their opening four fixtures. Stephen Baxter’s side trailed to Ballymena United last weekend, but recovered after the break to seal a 4-1 win at The Showgrounds.

Recent meetings:

Coleraine and Crusaders met four times across two competitions last season with the Bannsiders winning three and Crusaders the other. Coleraine recorded maximum points from their first two fixtures against Crusaders last season, with the first ending up in a 4-2 win at The Showgrounds. After Jamie McGonigle gave Crusaders the lead, Coleraine would respond and go 2-1 ahead through Ben Doherty and an own goal from Jordan Owens. The Stripes would extend their advantage after the break through Jamie Glackin and Eoin Bradley as Christopher Hegarty netted a late consolation for the visitors.

In October, Coleraine would leave Seaview with a victory courtesy of two penalties from Ben Doherty, with the final league clash going in the way of Crusaders in January as Jordan Owens’ first-half header earned Stephen Baxter’s side all three points on the Ballycastle Road.

The final meeting was back in February in the BetMcLean League Cup final as Coleraine ended their 33 year wait to lift the trophy. The Bannsiders would go a goal behind as Jamie McGonigle fired home for the Crues but Coleraine levelled at the break through Stephen Lowry’s penalty. The match winner would arrive via James McLaughlin as the striker was on hand to head home from Josh Carson’s corner kick.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We’ll take stock over the weekend and see where we’re at,” Kearney said.

“Gareth’s sending-off leaves us a bit light but we’ll just have to look at what we have and go again.

“It is set to be another big game under lights.”

Admission:

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, no away supporters will be permitted into the ground.

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football channel, with coverage starting at 7:35pm.

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