Stripes set for semi-final showdown

COLERAINE will aim to book a place in next month’s Tennent’s Irish Cup final as they take on Larne at the Ballymena Showgrounds (KO 3pm)…

The Bannsiders kept up their pursuit of the Gibson Cup last Friday evening as a brace from Josh Carson and a strike from Aaron Burns earned a hard fought 3-2 win over Carrick Rangers. Meanwhile, Larne fell to a 1-0 defeat against Limavady United. Tiernan Lynch’s side currently occupy 7th spot in the Bluefin Sport Championship. The two sides have already met this season in cup action as the Bannsiders earned a 4-1 win in the BetMcLean League Cup.

The Stripes have reached this far in the competition after three home victories. The first was a 7-0 success against Lisburn Distillery, before Championship leaders Institute were beaten 4-0 on the Ballycastle Road. Earlier this month, a solitary strike from Darren McCauley earned Coleraine a 1-0 win over Glentoran.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney will have a fully fit squad to choose from bar the long-term injury to James McLaughlin. This means that Jamie McGonigle and Ciaron Harkin are ready to return to first-team duties after being on international duty with Northern Ireland under-21’s. The Bannsiders boss has been impressed with the turnaround of fortunes at Inver Park.

“We are expecting a tough game,” Kearney said.

“Larne have turned their league form around and have already produced big results in the Irish Cup.

“We have had them watched and we will prepare for the game like we would against any other side.

“The players, fans and management staff are looking forward to the game.

“Our run to this point hasn’t been easy, but you expect that in a cup competition.”

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