Town to Business for Bannsiders

COLERAINE are on their travels this Friday night as they take on Warrenpoint Town at Milltown (KO 7:45pm)…

The Bannsiders continued their good form last time out with a 2-0 success over Ballinamallard United via goals from Ian Parkhill and Brad Lyons. The three points ensured the Stripes remained six points clear in the Danske Bank Premiership ahead of this weekend’s fixtures. As for the ‘Point, they will be buoyed by last weekend’s 3-3 draw against Linfield at Windsor Park. Matthew Tipton’s men currently occupy 10th position in the table – one point behind Ards in 9th.

A late strike from Darren McCauley was enough to separate the two sides in the first encounter of the season at The Showgrounds. The home side had taken the lead through Jamie McGonigle, before Darren Murray equalised and was then sent-off for Warrenpoint. Despite having numerous opportunities to take the lead, the match winner arrived with 20 minutes to go as McCauley forced the ball home.

Coleraine manager Oran Kearney will welcome Josh Carson back to the squad after the midfielder missed the match against Ballinamallard through suspension. However, Lyndon Kane, Eoin Bradley and James McLaughlin miss out through injury.

Kearney will be hoping his players improve on their last result at Milltown (3-0 defeat in January 2016) – but acknowledges his side will have to be at their best.

“It will be the same as we get every week, it will be no different to what we experienced at Ballinamallard,” Kearney said.

“It’s our two furthest away trips in a row, both in the month of Christmas which isn’t ideal.

“But we’ll take a half day go down and have a pre-match meal and make sure we’re well prepared.

“I’m sure they will be delighted with their performance at Windsor Park, you have to play well to go there and get something from the game.

“We know we will need to be at our best to get something from the game.”

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