OK wants ideal Christmas present

COLERAINE go in search of delivering all three points before Christmas as in-form Glentoran are the visitors to The Showgrounds this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine made it four games without a win in the Premiership as they were held to a goalless draw against Crusaders at The Showgrounds. In truth, the Bannsiders failed to create any clear cut chances of note, with Paul Heatley and Adam Lecky going close at the other end. That result sees the Stripes remain in sixth spot in the standings ahead of the festive schedule.

Glentoran are unbeaten in their last twelve Premiership matches – a run which has seen Mick McDermott’s troops move up to third position in the table. The Glens picked up all three points against Glenavon last time out as Conor McMenamin and Ruaidhri Donnelly got on the score sheet at The Oval. The East Belfast side have already secured the signings of midfielder Sean Murray and striker Michael O’Connor ahead of the January transfer window.

Previous meetings:

The two sides clashed last month in the Danske Bank Premiership in what would turn out to be an entertaining affair in East Belfast. The deadlock was broken on 15 minutes as Conor McKendry let fly from distance but the game would turn on its head as a quick fire double from Jay Donnelly allowed Glentoran to take the lead. However, the Bannsiders grabbed a share of the spoils with ten minutes to go as Cathair Friel pounced from Lyndon Kane’s strong run to make it two goals apiece – with Aaron McCarey dismissed following an off-the-ball incident with his own player.

Just over a month ago, Coleraine would be paired with Glentoran in the quarter-final stage of the BetMcLean League Cup.The Bannsiders would take the lead in fine style as Jamie Glackin and Conor McKendry combined for the opener which was slotted in by the former. After the Glens made a strong start to the second-half, Kearney’s men would bag a decisive second as Matthew Shevlin confidently slotted into the bottom corner.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We go from one game into another big game,” Kearney said.

“It was disappointing the game was called off a few weeks ago.

“It’s been a busy enough week for us but we’ll get in on Monday night.

“Looking at those two games against Crusaders and Glentoran – look to take four points as that would keep you motoring.

“We’ve only taken one today, therefore we putting ourselves under pressure where you want to go out and get a good result going into Christmas.

“Glentoran have a huge amount of quality, the magnitude of their squad is frightening and whatever team they put out on Wednesday you’re going to be up against it.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Raymond Crangle.

The assistant referees are Ken Ross and Bogdan Sfirloaga.

Niall Gallagher has been allocated as the fourth official.

Sponsors:

The match sponsor is JW Service Centre, Coleraine.

Mark Fielding, Jack Anderson and Store It have kindly agreed to sponsor the match ball.

The mascots this evening will be Josh, Cassie, Alfie and Lily and they will have the honour of leading out the team.

The Man of the Match award will be sponsored by Holley Optometrists.

Admission:

Season tickets are valid for the fixture, although, non-season ticket holders will require matchday tickets for the fixture which can be bought online HERE.

Glentoran fans will also need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.

If you are attending the Social Club or Club 1927 Lounge, you will need to avail of the new COVID regulations HERE.

If you are not feeling yourself tomorrow afternoon and you have symptoms which you feel are similar to COVID-19, please stay away from the stadium and think of others.

If you have access to a lateral flow/PCR test at home, we would encourage you to check yourself before coming to the game.

If you have been in contact with a positive case and haven’t yet been contacted by track and trace, please do not come to the game.

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