OK: “We will give it a rattle”

COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney hopes that Saturday’s win against Carrick Rangers will give his players “a shot in the arm” as they visit Glentoran this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders picked up a much needed win last time out as they secured a 3-0 victory against Carrick Rangers at The Showgrounds. Two first-half goals from Rodney Brown and a Steven Gordon own goal had Coleraine well on their way, before the three points were pocketed as Lyndon Kane converted an early second-half penalty. That result means the Stripes remain in sixth spot in the table.

Glentoran are on the crest of a wave after securing back-to-back North Belfast wins against Cliftonville and Crusaders. The Glens would seal a 2-1 win against the Reds via Jay Donnelly’s double, before repeating that same scoreline four days later through strikes from Conor McMenamin and Robbie McDaid at Seaview. Mick McDermott’s men are currently second in the Premiership standings and face Queen’s University in the second round of the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup.

Previous meetings:

The two sides clashed in the Danske Bank Premiership back in October 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.

A month later, 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.

Just before Christmas, the two teams would square off in a re-arranged Danske Bank Premiership fixture and the visitors would make a blistering start as Rory Donnelly headed home from Shay McCartan’s corner kick. The game was over as a contest just after the hour mark as Jay Donnelly converted from Conor McMenamin’s terrific pass. The Stripes would enjoy a late rally but neither Lyndon Kane nor Jamie Glackin could find the back of the net.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“Glentoran have been in phenomenal form of late,” Kearney said.

“I watched both games this week and they were brilliant games to watch.

“We know going there how tough it’s going to be and the form they’re in and what they’re driving for.

“We’ve got this win behind us and hopefully that’s a shot in the arm.

“We’ve had some ding dongs with them over the last few seasons and hopefully we can go there and have a really good rattle at it.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Shane Andrews.

The assistant referees are Paul Robinson and Stephen Donaldson.

Glenn Buchanan has been selected as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters will require tickets for the fixture which can be purchased

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).