Sixth sense for OK

COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney has challenged his players to go one step closer on securing their top six status as they face Portadown this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders come into the fixture after a heartbreaking defeat to Cliftonville in the final of the BetMcLean League Cup last Sunday. Oran Kearney’s men looked like retaining the trophy after Matthew Shevlin and Stephen Lowry netted at the National Stadium, but Cliftonville responded as Joe Gormley and Paul O’Neill bragged a brace apiece, with Curtis Allen adding a late consolation goal. Coleraine currently sit in 6th spot in the Premiership standings and will have to do without the services of James McLaughlin who is suspended.

Portadown have taken seven points from their last three games under Paul Doolin as they aim to avoid the drop. The Ports beat Warrenpoint Town and drew with Carrick Rangers prior to last weekend’s 1-0 success against Ballymena United at Shamrock Park. The County Armagh side are 11th in the standings – nine points clear of bottom side Warrenpoint Town and four points behind Carrick Rangers in 10th.

Previous meetings:

The two clubs squared off at the end of October at The Showgrounds. After both teams would spurn half chances, the deadlock was broken on 28 minutes as Matthew Shevlin picked up possession after cleverly beating the offside trap. The striker ran into the box, and after he tried to deliver a cross to the unmarked Cathair Friel, the ball was diverted into his own net by Paul Finnegan. The three points would be secure in added time as Coleraine caught the visitors on the counter attack which allowed McKendry to unselfishly square the ball to Shevlin who made no mistake from inside the area.

In January, Coleraine would be on their way to Shamrock Park in what would turn out to be drab affair in County Armagh. The best chance for the Bannsiders would land at the feet of Stephen Lowry but he was thwarted by Jethren Barr, with Adam Salley blazing over at the other end.

A month later, the Bannsiders would host Portadown in the second round of the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup with the visitors rattling the crossbar in the opening 45 minutes. However, the Stripes would hit the front on the hour mark as Lyndon Kane’s looping header went into the net, with Portadown ‘keeper Jethren Barr protesting that he had been fouled in the build-up. With less than three minutes to go, Kearney’s men would seal the deal as Josh Carson rifled home from Stephen O’Donnell’s cross field pass.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It is important to bounce back from Sunday and nail our top six place,” Kearney said.

“We want to finish as high in the table as possible and that starts this afternoon.

“The Euro play-off is a big incentive for us and that’s our next objective.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Andrew Davey.

The assistant referees are Paul Robinson and TBC.

Niall Gallagher has been selected as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters will require tickets for the fixture which can be bought HERE.

If you are not feeling yourself this 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).