OK expecting ‘exciting’ game

IT will be the battle of the Cup holders tomorrow afternoon as League Cup winners Coleraine host Irish Cup winners Glentoran at The Showgrounds (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders recorded their first win of the season last time out as goals from Ben Doherty, Jamie Glackin and James McLaughlin sealed a 3-0 win against Portadown at Shamrock Park.

The Glens lost their opening day fixture against Cliftonville, before drawing 1-1 with Glenavon last Saturday. Mick McDermott has been busy adding to his squad as Luke McCullough (Tranmere Rovers), Jamie McDonagh (Derry City), Rory Brown (Institute), Dale Goleing (Europa), Gael Bigirimana (Solihull Moors), Dale Gorman (Leyton Orient), Jay Donnelly (Belfast Celtic) and Bobby Burns (Barrow) have all made the move to The Oval.

Recent meetings:

Coleraine and Glentoran would be familiar foes last season as they faced off on four occasions across two different competitions.

The Bannsiders had a 2-0 lead in the first meeting courtesy of Eoin Bradley and Aaron Canning, but James McLaughlin’s dismissal turned the game on its head as Hrvoje Plum and Paul O’Neill found the back of the net to earn the Glens a share of the spoils.

Last October, Coleraine welcomed Glentoran to The Showgrounds in the League Cup and the visitors were reduced to 10 men in the first-half after James McCarthy was given a second yellow card. Oran Kearney’s side booked their spot in the next round through goals from Jamie Glackin and Ben Doherty, despite Navid Nasseri’s late strike.

A month later, there were would be further goals as Glentoran led 2-0 at the break, before Aaron Jarvis struck twice in the second-half as the match ended in a draw.

The final contest would be won by the Stripes back in February as Jamie Glackin’s corner kick was aided by Storm Ciara and landed into the net.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It will be an exciting game,” said Oran.

“I think the key thing for us was to bounce back and show that bit of steel after the Ballymena defeat.

“I said to the players beforehand that it’s easier to churn out performances when you’re on a run of results.

“But when questions are asked, it’s important you come out roaring and show a bit of strength.

“The result against Portadown is very pleasing when you look at it on paper but the manner of it is what encourages me more than anything.”

Admission:

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, admission will be via ticket only with full details HERE

Supporters who are attending are urged to read the following safety information HERE

Coleraine TV will be streaming the match live with full instructions HERE

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