Score to Settle

BetMcLean League Cup

Overview:

The Bannsiders come into tomorrow night’s BetMcLean League Cup quarter-final in good form after five successive wins in all competitions. The latest was last Saturday’s 1-0 win against Linfield as an own goal by Mark Stafford separated the sides at The Showgrounds. As for Dundela, they ran riot at the weekend as they inflicted a 5-0 win over Knockbreda. The Championship side have players with Irish League pedigree, including ex-Coleraine midfielder Gareth Tommons.

Recent meetings:

The two sides last clashed back in 2010 in a fifth-round Irish Cup fixture at Wilgar Park. The Bannsiders would ensure there would be no cup upset as first-half goals from Rory Patterson and Stephen Carson eased the visitors through. There have been two previous meetings in the League Cup, with Dundela triumphing in 1992, but Coleraine earned revenge with a 4-0 victory two years later.

Team News:

Coleraine boss Oran Kearney will once again be without the services of Stephen O’Donnell who remains sidelined, as well as Nedas Maciulaitis who is cup tied.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It is a competition we want to do well in,” Kearney said.

“The key thing for us is that thankfully we’re starting to get a few players back.

“The bench had been light there for a few weeks but touch wood, bar Stephen O’Donnell, we have everybody else fit and raring to go.

“I’ve said to the boys the League Cup hasn’t been as good to us in the years that I’ve been here, bar one final, and it would be great to get a run in it.

“Dundela are flying in their league, they beat Larne who were pretty much full strength in the previous round, so it gives you an idea of the qualities they have.

“They have a lot of ex-Irish League players like Jay Magee and a few others who have been around the league for a long time.

“We know we need a big performance if we want to get through.”

Admission:

Supporters are reminded that entry is via a cash gate.

Admission prices have been set at £10 adults and £5 concessions.

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