COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney believes tomorrow’s assignment against Warrenpoint Town will just be as difficult as the recent fixture against Glentoran (KO 3pm)…
Danske Bank Premiership
Overview:
The Bannsiders recorded back-to-back draws in the Premiership last weekend as they fought back to earn a share of the spoils against Glentoran. After holding a half-time lead through Conor McKendry, the hosts would fight back to lead through Jay Donnelly’s double but Oran Kearney’s men would grab a point as Cathair Friel fired past Aaron McCarey. That result sees the Stripes remain in 4th spot in the table having played nine games.
Warrenpoint Town have won one of their eight games so far this campaign which came on the opening day of the season against Ballymena United. The ‘Point have navigated their way through to the last eight of the BetMcLean League Cup after wins against Newry City and Loughgall. They come into the fixture after a 3-0 defeat to Linfield last Saturday, before defeating Portadown in the Mid-Ulster Cup on Tuesday night. Barry Gray’s side brought in Conor Mitchell, Jonathan Leddy, Stephen Dunne, Greg Moorhouse and Luke Wade-Slater in the summer transfer window.
Previous meetings:
Coleraine recorded maximum points from their three fixtures against Warrenpoint Town last campaign – with all matches ending 2-1 to Oran Kearney’s men.
The first was in December last year as Stewart Nixon fired in a last gasp winner after Stuart Hutchinson looked to have sealed a point for Barry Gray’s side following Ben Doherty’s opener. The visitors would be reduced to ten men as ‘keeper Gabriel Sava was dismissed for an off the ball incident, with substitute Gavin Peers also being sent-off.
In February this year, Coleraine made a quickfire start and took a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes as Curtis Allen grabbed a brace, but Warrenpoint grew into the game and responded as Fra McCaffrey halved the deficit before the break. The ‘Point missed several chances after the break with Gareth Deane producing an outstanding stop to deny Brandon Doyle inside the box.
The final contest in April would see the ‘Point take the lead in the second-half as Kealan Dillon’s wonder strike left Martin Gallagher with no chance. However, Coleraine quickly responded as Stephen O’Donnell equalised before the same player would grab the winner as he converted from a corner.
Manager’s Thoughts:
“It’s just as hard a challenge as Glentoran and they always are,” he continued.
“We’ve been to Carrick a couple of times this year and we’ve had our fill of it.
“It will be no different against Warrenpoint as they are fighting for their lives down there.
“They will come with a game plan to try and frustrate and it’s up to us to make sure we are right on it.”
Officials:
The match referee will be Tony Clarke.
The assistant referees are Gavin Hegarty and Bogdan Sfirloaga.
Keith Kennedy has been allocated as the fourth official.
Sponsors:
The match sponsor is JKC.
Ryan McIntyre, of Mobile World, has kindly sponsored the match ball.
We have a quartet of mascots tomorrow afternoon as Bobby Freeman, Isaac Boyd, Oliver Daly and Oisin Quinn will lead out the team.
The Man of the Match award will be sponsored by Holley Optometrists.
Admission:
Season tickets are valid for the fixture, although, non-season ticket holders will require matchday tickets for the fixture which can be bought online HERE.
Warrenpoint Town fans will also need tickets to enter the stadium which can be purchased HERE.
If you are not feeling yourself tomorrow afternoon and you have symptoms which you feel are similar to COVID-19, please stay away from the stadium and think of others.
If you have access to a lateral flow/PCR test at home, we would encourage you to check yourself before coming to the game.
If you have been in contact with a positive case and haven’t yet been contacted by track and trace, please do not come to the game.
As ever, those unable to watch the fixture can follow the latest developments via the club’s official Twitter account (@ColeraineFC).