Stripes hoping for Halloween treat

COLERAINE quickly return to action as they welcome Ballinamallard United to the Ballycastle Road this evening (KO 7.45pm)…

By: Scott Cooper

The Bannsiders stretched their unbeaten run in the league to 12 games as 3 goals secured the three points against Glentoran.  An early goal from Ian Parkhill opened the scoring, followed by a Darren McCauley header doubling the lead before half time. The victory was wrapped up when Jamie McGonigle struck home eight minutes from time following an excellent counter-attack.  With wins elsewhere for the rest of the top four, saw the Stripes retain their five point lead at the top of the table.

Ballinamallard remain the only side Coleraine have yet to play in the league, with the game originally being scheduled for early October.  The Mallards only recently won their first game in the league on the 21st October, and followed that up with a 2-0 defeat to Crusaders last Friday night.  However, Gavin Dykes’ side held out until the 65th minute, with the North Belfast team’s second strike not coming until stoppage time and Bannsiders’ boss Oran Kearney expects the County Fermanagh men to give his team a stern test.

“I think Tuesday night will be a tough game as Ballinamallard put up a real fist of it against Crusaders,” Kearney said.

“Everybody thought that Crusaders would stroll that one after their big victory against Linfield, but Ballinamallard obviously had different ideas.

“It took around 65 to 70 minutes for Crusaders to open the scoring and they scored the second in the last minute of the game.

“We will be under no illusions and it could be one of those nights were patience can be very important.

“We need to start well and get on the front foot early doors as I’m sure Ballinamallard will come here to do a job.”

Coleraine will be without the services Lyndon Kane, Brad Lyons, Eoin Bradley and James McLaughlin through injury.

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

Home supporters are reminded that they can only gain access to the ground with a valid season ticket/matchday card.