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COLERAINE make the visit to league leaders Crusaders tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders come into the fixture buoyed by last week’s work that yielded three wins in all competitions. The latest was last Saturday’s 3-0 home victory against Warrenpoint Town. The Stripes held a 2-0 advantage at the break through Ben Doherty and Eoin Bradley, before in-form Doherty would find the back of the net for a second time late on. As for Crusaders, they faced Ballymena United twice in the past week and both ended in draws, although the previous fixture last Tuesday was decided by spot-kicks which went in the way of the Sky Blues.

Recent meetings:

The two clubs clashed last month at The Showgrounds and it would be Stephen Baxter’s side who would hit the front early doors as Jamie McGonigle scored against his former club. However, this sparked Coleraine into life and they equalised when Ben Doherty prodded home from close range, before Jordan Owens’ own goal gave the Stripes a half-time lead. The game was over as a contest by the hour mark as Eoin Bradley and Jamie Glackin got on the scoresheet, with Chris Hegarty’s effort a mere consolation for Crusaders.

Team News:

Coleraine boss Oran Kearney will once again be without the services of defender Stephen O’Donnell who remains sidelined with a calf injury. However, there was a boost last weekend as striker James McLaughlin returned to the matchday panel after suffering a hamstring injury.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It is first against second, it will be a good atmosphere and a great crowd,” Kearney said.

“We will recharge the batteries throughout the week and ideally pick a team that will go and get a result there.

“We have had some great battles with Crusaders over the last few years and some big fixtures, so I don’t expect next Saturday to be any different.

“Our away fans in particular have been brilliant and the noise they bring is brilliant and we are going to need every bit of that next Saturday.

Admission:

Admission has been set at £12 adults, £8 concessions.

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