New lease of life for Lyndon

LYNDON Kane insists the Bannsiders’ fixture against Ballymena United will be totally different to the recent BetMcLean Cup tie between the sides…

Coleraine travel to Warden Street tomorrow afternoon – a mere 11 days after beating United in the BetMcLean Cup at the Ballymena Showgrounds.

Conor McKendry’s late strike would prove to be the difference on the night, however, Kane remarked that anything can happen on derby day.

“We won’t be reading too much into our recent win there,” he said.

“Of course, it was great to get through and everything else but that game is done and we have another big one tomorrow.

“Derby games are always tight and you can never take anything for granted.

“They will be delighted to pick up their first home win of the season against Portadown so we have to be aware of that.”

Kane has been utilised as a central midfielder this season and the 25-year-old acknowledged that he feels accustomed to playing in the Bannsiders’ engine room.

“I grew up playing in central midfield so it has come quite natural to me,” he added.

“I know my game is about probably more about breaking play up and passing the ball forward.

“I’ve enjoyed it so far, we’ve some fantastic options in there and it’s great to be in the middle of it.

“I just need to continue doing what I’m doing and take it from there.”

The Stripes come into tomorrow’s clash on the back of a 0-0 draw against Linfield, with a full capacity crowd on the Ballycastle Road in attendance.

“It was a very tough game and there wasn’t much in it,” he continued.

“After losing out to Larne and Glentoran recently, I felt it was important we kept the back door shut and thankfully we were able to do that.

“We would have liked to have had more chances and everything else but it wasn’t to be.

“The crowd was fantastic and great to play in front of but we will take the point and move on.”