Under the Lights

COLERAINE will look to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Warrenpoint Town as they take on Newry City at The Showgrounds this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

The Bannsiders suffered their first loss on the road for over a year last time out as Robbie Norton’s penalty separated the two sides at Milltown. The visitors trailed at half-time via Alan O’Sullivan’s strike but pulled level as Darren McCauley continued his fine run of form, before Norton settled matters. As for Newry, they also suffered a defeat last Friday night at the hands of Ballymena United.

This will be the second meeting between the two sides this season after September’s 1-1 draw at the Newry Showgrounds. Darren Mullen’s side had the advantage at the break as Declan Carville headed home but Aaron Burns rescued a point for the Irish Cup holders in the second-half as both sides had chances to win the game.

Coleraine boss Rodney McAree will be without the services of Lyndon Kane, Aaron Traynor, Ian Parkhill and James McLaughlin through injury. However there is a boost as Eoin Bradley and Steven Douglas both return from suspension. It is hoped that Graham Crown will be fully fit despite being named on the bench last weekend.

Having watched City against Ballymena last week, the boss knows his side will be in for a tough ask on the Ballycastle Road.

“I watched Newy on Friday night against Ballymena United and they are very similar to Warrenpoint,” McAree said.

“They are very hard working, have a great desire and have a lot of legs and energy in their team.

“They were very unfortunate to find themselves 2-0 down against Ballymena, I don’t know how they were 2-0 down.

“Football is won and lost in the 18 yard box, we need to defend our’s better and do more in the opposition’s.”

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

Supporters are reminded that entry to the ground is via valid season tickets/matchday cards only. Furthermore, the game will be broadcast live on BBC Two NI, online and on the Red Button.