Match Preview

Up for the Cup

COLERAINE will aim to book their spot in the third round of the BetMcLean League Cup as they take on Ballyclare Comrades this evening (KO 7:45pm)…

The Bannsiders will look for a return to winning ways after back-to-back draws in the Danske Bank Premiership. The latest was last Friday’s 2-2 stalemate with Institute as the Stripes couldn’t hold on for the three points after coming from behind to lead. The result means Oran Kearney’s men have 8 points from their opening four fixtures and trail league leaders Linfield by two points. As for the visitors, they have made a strong start to the season after winning their first two games, but they also drew last Friday at home to Limavady.

The two sides last met in pre-season action ahead of the 2017-18 campaign with the Bannsiders winning 2-1 via a brace from Joe McCready.

Coleraine boss Oran Kearney will be without the services of Lyndon Kane and James McLaughlin through injury. There is also fitness doubts over Josh Carson and Aaron Burns as the duo missed Friday night’s clash at The Showgrounds. Despite going into the game as favourites to progress, Kearney insists his players won’t take the Dixon Park outfit lightly.

“We won’t be taking Ballyclare lightly and we can’t afford too as we don’t have that many fit players,” he said.

“The key thing for us is that the League Cup hasn’t been good to us in the past few years and we can’t seem to get past the quarter-final stage.

“It’s a competition that we would like to be doing better in and that all starts tomorrow night.”

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

Supporters are reminded that entry is via cash gate only with admission prices set at £8 adults and £5 concessions.