Stripes looking to Carri on momentum

COLERAINE welcome Carrick Rangers to The Showgrounds as the Bannsiders aim to register another three points on Friday evening (KO 7:45pm)…

The Stripes ensured they remained two points behind Crusaders with a hard fought 3-1 win against Ards last weekend. A brace from Jamie McGonigle allied to a well taken goal by Brad Lyons was enough to secure victory at the Bangor Fuels Arena. As for Carrick, they lost at home to Cliftonville as Joe Gormley’s strike was enough to separate the two sides.

The Bannsiders have recorded maximum points from the two previous encounters between the sides. The first meeting was in September and goals from David Ogilby and Darren McCauley (2) sealed a 3-0 success at The Showgrounds. Then, in December, Coleraine left the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena with all three points via strikes from Ciaron Harkin, Brad Lyons and Jamie McGonigle. At present, Carrick are 11th in the table and will hope to pick up points as soon as possible to avoid the drop. There will be two familiar faces on the Ballycastle Road as Mark Edgar and Darren Henderson are poised to face their former club.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney will be without the services of James McLaughlin through injury. Furthermore, Jamie McGonigle and Ciaron Harkin will also be absent as they are on international duty with Northern Ireland under-21’s. However Darren McCauley is expected to return to the matchday panel and the Bannsiders received a boost last week as Stephen Dooley returned from injury.

Stripes boss Kearney is expecting a stern test at The Showgrounds.

“We know it will be a difficult game as Davy McAlinden’s sides are always well organised,” Kearney said.

“They have improved since January with their arrivals.

“They are fighting for every point, so we know we will have to be at the top of our game.”

As ever, those unable to attend can follow the latest updates via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC). Supporters are reminded that entry is via matchday card/season tickets only.