Match Preview

“Teams well versed” – OK

COLERAINE visit Carrick Rangers for the third time this season as Oran Kearney’s men target a hat trick of victories in succession (KO 3pm)

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine made it back-to-back wins in the Danske Bank Premiership last weekend as they sealed a 2-0 success against Portadown at The Showgrounds. The Stripes would hit the front through a Paul Finnegan own goal before the points were banked late on as Matthew Shevlin fired into the net from Conor McKendry’s pass. The fixture marks the first of seven games this month as the Bannsiders also face Glentoran at home twice, Dungannon Swifts away, Linfield away, Larne and Cliftonville at home.

Carrick Rangers have lost their last three fixtures in the Premiership against Linfield, Dungannon Swifts and Glentoran. The Amber Army put in a spirited performance against the Glens last time out but two pieces of magic from the visitors condemned Carrick to a 2-0 defeat. Stuart King’s men currently sit 7th in the Premiership standings having played ten games.

Previous meetings:

The two clubs met each other in early September as Coleraine went into the contest after losing their first two league games of the campaign. After making a strong start, the Bannsiders would take the lead in fortuitous circumstances as Conor McKendry’s cross inadvertently went into the net. Just before the half-time whistle, the hosts would be reduced to ten men as Jim Ervin received his marching orders for bringing down Matthew Shevlin. Oran Kearney’s men used the extra man to their advantage after the break as Shevlin notched a deadly double to make it a 3-0 win for the Stripes.

Last month, the Bannsiders were drawn against Carrick Rangers in the third round of the BetMcLean League Cup. The visitors would take a first-half lead as Jamie Glackin headed the ball into the path of Matthew Shevlin who converted from close range. In a fixture that failed to provide many chances, the Stripes would double their advantage with less than ten minutes remaining as Shevlin rifled home a second after Aaron Traynor’s throw-in to the box wasn’t fully cleared. At the death, Gareth Deane would preserve his clean sheet as he dived to his right to keep out Mark Surgenor’s penalty.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We’ve been there twice already this season and got it really tough,” Kearney said.

“I watched the game last Friday night and thought they were unfortunate as there were two brilliant bits of quality for the two goals for Glentoran.

“After that it becomes a bit tougher for them but up until the first and second goals, I thought they more than matched Glentoran.

“It’s a hard place to go, it’s a tight pitch and everybody knows what Carrick can be like.

“It’s important now that we get another good week and make sure that we’re fully prepared.”

Officials:

The match referee will be Lee Tavinder.

The assistant referees are Ken Ross and John Doherty.

Steven Gregg has been selected as the fourth official.

Admission:

Admission will be via a cash gate with prices set at £12 adults and £8 concessions.

If you are not feeling yourself this evening and you have symptoms which you feel are similar to COVID-19, please stay away from the stadium and think of others.

If you have access to a lateral flow/PCR test at home, we would encourage you to check yourself before coming to the game.

If you have been in contact with a positive case and haven’t yet been contacted by track and trace, please do not come to the game.

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