Squad Management

COLERAINE kick-start a busy month of February as Cliftonville are the visitors to The Showgrounds this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders made it six wins on the trot last weekend as Curtis Allen and Stephen Lowry got on the score sheet to defeat Crusaders at The Showgrounds. After falling a goal behind, the Stripes recovered to level at the break through Allen, before some late drama would unfold as Lowry headed in the winner on 88 minutes. That result keeps Oran Kearney’s men in fourth spot in the table.

Cliftonville have made an unbeaten start to 2021 and have collected eight points from their last four fixtures. The Reds had to dig deep to get a share of the spoils last weekend as Ryan Curran struck a late equaliser against Glenavon. It has been all change at Solitude since the two sides last met as Paddy McLaughlin has added seven new players to his ranks, including Kris Lowe, Daniel Kearns and Paul O’Neill.

Previous meetings:

Coleraine would make a winning end to 2020 as they made to trip to Solitude in December.

In a subdued first-half, the best chance would arrive for the hosts as Gareth Deane was quick to deny Conor McDermott, before Joe Gormley flashed wide after being found by Chris Curran. The best chance for Coleraine would fall to Jamie Glackin but his acrobatic effort was blocked by Jaimie Harney.

Little less than 20 seconds after entering the field of play as a substitute, James McLaughlin would give Coleraine the lead on 55 minutes as he headed home from Ian Parkhill’s cross. Minutes later, the Stripes should have doubled their lead as Reds ‘keeper Richard Brush made a smart save to deny Parkhill.

However, Coleraine would seal the win on 83 minutes as Garry Breen was robbed in possession by McLaughlin and the striker kept his composure to slot past Brush.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“I think you have to ring the changes again this evening because I don’t think you have any choice,” said Kearney.

“Normally, in the past, the team would pick itself Saturday to Saturday and the formation and everything that goes with it.

“We won two Saturday’s ago against Dungannon Swifts and then made three or four changes for the Larne game and then we made three or four changes again versus Crusaders.

“It’s needs must as we’re part-time players – nobody’s going to play all 13 games in 43 days I think it is which works out as a game every three days, so from that point of view we have to, it’s non-negotiable.”

Admission:

Supporters are not permitted inside the stadium due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

However, the fixture will be shown live and can be purchased HERE.

A full instruction list for the stream can be read HERE

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