Seizing Momentum

COLERAINE are hoping to go into the end of season split on a positive note and pick up all three points as they take on Institute at the Brandywell on Saturday afternoon (KO 1pm)…

By: Scott Cooper

The Bannsiders saw off their opponents last Friday Night, Newry, with a 4-1 win. Dean Shiels opened the scoring before Newry were reduced to 10 men with a second bookable offence, which saw Dale Montgomery receive his marching orders just before the stroke of half time. Tiarnán Rushe levelled the scoring for the home side at the 50 minute mark, before Cormac Burke put the visitors into the lead again 10 minutes later, with his first goal for Coleraine. Eoin Bradley added a third, before James McLaughlin rounded off the win with another goal, in the 90th minute. The win moved Coleraine level on points with Cliftonville, though the Stripes still remain in 6th place, due to the North Belfast side’s superior goal difference.

Coleraine have taken on Institute twice, once at home in August, which ended in a 2-2 draw, with Rodney McAree’s men taking all three points in the November fixture at the Brandywell, in a 2-1 win. Stute will be looking to respond from recent back-to-back defeats against Linfield and Ballymena United.

McAree, when asked whether the team was hoping for another win this week, especially before next week’s semi final, said:

“You would like to go into the Crusaders game on the back of two wins.

“It’s within our grasp and we are more than capable of doing it.

“It’s a good surface and it should suit us and it should be a good game.

“Hopefully it’s not as windy as the last time we played there, but I’ll take the same result.”

The manager will have Gareth McConaghie at his selection, with the defender returning from a one game suspension after his dismissal in the Ballymena game. Aaron Canning is also set to feature, but there is no such joy for Alexander Gawne, Aaron Traynor and Lyndon Kane who all miss out through injury.

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

Supporters are reminded that entry is via tickets only HERE.