New Start

COLERAINE kick-start the new decade with an away visit to Carrick Rangers tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders remained in third spot in the table last weekend after a 1-1 draw at home to Linfield. After trailing to a first-half strike from Stephen Fallon, the hosts responded and found an equaliser through a header from Aaron Canning. The Stripes will feel they should have bagged all three points after the break as Josh Carson, Eoin Bradley and James McLaughlin all went close to finding a winner. Tomorrow’s opponents have won three out of their last six games, including a 0-0 draw away to Larne on Boxing Day as they sit in ninth position in the table.

Recent meetings:

This will be the third clash between the two clubs this season, with the second affair being much tighter than the first. In October, Coleraine took the lead through Eoin Bradley’s close range finish, but they were pegged back minutes later as Caolan Loughran netted from the spot. Just as the game looked destined to finish all square at the break, Coleraine regained the lead as Nedas Maciulaitis’ effort deflected in off Loughran for an own goal. The Stripes sealed all three points after the break through Aaron Jarvis’ header and Aaron Traynor’s first goal for the club. A month later, Carrick twice took the lead at The Showgrounds in the first-half – either side of a James McLaughlin equaliser – through Lloyd Anderson and Sachem. However, the Bannsiders responded and levelled through Ben Doherty’s spot kick, before Alexander Gawne was introduced off the bench to bag a late winner.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It is a case of the walking wounded and we will have to freshen it up,” Kearney said.

“We’ll come in on Monday night and see where we are from there

“Carrick have been really hard to beat, both home and away.

“They’ve picked up some great points on the road and at home so we know it’s going to be anther tough game.”

Admission:

Admission has been set at £12 adults, £8 concessions.

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