Top Two set to clash at Mourneview Park

COLERAINE hope to extend their lead at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership as they face Glenavon at Mourneview Park (KO 3pm)…

The Bannsiders celebrated success through the week as an own goal from Colm McLoughlin, added to Joe McCready’s strike earned all three points against Ballinamallard United on Tuesday night. As for the Lurgan Blues, they were victorious last weekend as they defeated Carrick Rangers at the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena. Gary Hamilton’s side currently occupy 2nd place in the table – 8 points behind the Stripes having played a game less.

The previous meeting between the two sides ended in a 4-2 success for Coleraine at The Showgrounds. A brace from Darren McCauley, as well as efforts from Josh Carson and Ciaron Harkin separated the sides in a ding-dong battle on the Ballycastle Road.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney will be without the services of Lyndon Kane, Brad Lyons, Eoin Bradley and James McLaughlin through injury. Despite his side having the upper-hand in recent fixtures, Kearney knows Glenavon have the striking power to cause ‘damage’ to any side in the league.

“I keep saying to the players to go and enjoy it as this is what the league is about,” Kearney said.

“I want them to enjoy it and if they can’t enjoy Saturday, they shouldn’t be playing.

“They will want to prove a point after the result they had at The Showgrounds.

“There wasn’t a huge amount between the sides that day and they have some talented players.

“They are similar to us in the fact that they have a lot of good young players and a few old hands.

“They have a lot of players who can do damage and are scoring goals for fun.

“We know how tough it will be, but we will look forward to it.”

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

Garvagh, Kilrea and District SC will be running a bus up to the match tomorrow – stopping at Rugby Avenue (12:15), Garvagh (12:45) & Kilrea (12:55). Terms and conditions apply.