Stripes hoping to land Boxing Day Knockout

COLERAINE will be hoping to provide a late Christmas present as they take on rivals Ballymena United at The Showgrounds (KO 3pm)…

The Stripes made it four wins in a row last Friday evening as second-half goals from Ian Parkhill and Darren McCauley sealed a 2-0 success against Warrenpoint Town at Milltown. The victory meant the Bannsiders topped the tree at Christmas by six points ahead of the busy festive schedule. As for the visitors, they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Crusaders and currently occupy 6th position in the Danske Bank Premiership.

It was Coleraine who triumphed in the first clash between the two sides this season as goals from Stephen O’Donnell and Jamie McGonigle earned the Stripes the victory on Warden Street. However, the Bannsiders will want to avenge last year’s Boxing Day defeat to David Jeffrey’s side last season.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney will be without Lyndon Kane, James McLaughlin and Eoin Bradley through injury. There will be a late fitness check on Brad Lyons after the midfielder was substituted in the first-half against Warrenpoint. The boss believes the Boxing Day fixtures are what the Irish League is all about.

“The derbies are brilliant and the best games in the league as far as I’m concerned,” Kearney said.

“The Boxing Day one is the pinnacle derby as there’s a lot of excitement and buzz.

“We are looking forward to a big game.”

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

Supporters are reminded that they can only enter the ground via a valid matchday card/season ticket. There will be a bucket collection in both the home and away end with proceeds going to the Sandelford School. Those travelling to the game are advised to read the following parking information HERE.