To the Well

COLERAINE play host to Motherwell this evening as both clubs hope to book their spot in the third qualifying round of the Europa League (KO 7:30pm)…

Europa League Second Qualifying Round

Overview:

Coleraine reached this stage of the competition as a late goal from James McLaughlin defeated La Fiorita in the Preliminary Round. A week later, the Bannsiders produced arguably the greatest result in the club’s history as they defeated NK Maribor on penalties after the game finished 1-1.

Motherwell come into the fixture after securing their first win in the Scottish Premiership last weekend against St. Johnstone. The Steelmen are managed by Ulsterman Stephen Robinson and they qualified for the Europa League after a third place finish in the table last season.

Recent European fixtures:

Coleraine have played against Scottish opposition on two previous occasions. The first was back in 1970 against Kilmarnock, and after the first leg finished 1-1 at The Showgrounds, the Bannsiders were ranked as major outsiders to go through. Things went from bad to worse as they trailed 2-0 at Rugby Park, however, Coleraine produced a scintillating comeback as Dessie Dickson’s hat-trick powered the Stripes through. In 1987, the Stripes were paired with Dundee United in the UEFA Cup and after a 1-0 loss at The Showgrounds, they were beaten 3-1 in the return leg at Tannadice.

Motherwell have previous experience of facing Irish League clubs in Europe – just three weeks ago to be precise – as they beat Glentoran at Fir Park. The Lanarkshire side could create history this evening as they have never reached the third qualifying round of the Europa League.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It’s just nice to be here. I think that’s the key thing,” Kearney said.

“As a club we knew there was a big opportunity there in the first game against La Fiorita, as much as they were seeded and we were unseeded.

“We put ourselves under a lot of pressure to get through that game as we knew how big it could be for the club.

“When we got through that we used the Maribor game as a carrot in relation to it being a great experience for everybody.

“Obviously you go there with a game plan and everything else, and credit to the players, getting through that game in particular has been brilliant for everybody.

“It has brought us on to this fixture, which is absolutely bonus territory.”

Admission:

Supporters are not permitted inside the stadium due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

However, the fixture will be shown live on BBC Sport NI website.

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