‘We are going to need everybody’ – OK

COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney insists his entire first-team squad will be required over the next month as the Bannsiders welcome Portadown to The Showgrounds tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine went agonisingly close to recording seven wins on the trot last Tuesday evening as goals from Aaron Traynor and James McLaughlin had the Bannsiders ahead against Cliftonville, but they had to settle for a point after Paul O’Neill’s late equaliser. Oran Kearney’s men remain in fourth spot ahead of today’s visit of Portadown.

The Ports will be looking for a return to winning ways as they are yet to register a victory in 2021 and have lost their last two games against Warrenpoint Town and Linfield. Matthew Tipton was busy in the January transfer window as they aim to improve on their league position of 11th.

Previous meetings:

The two sides met at each other at Shamrock Park in October last year as the Bannsiders recorded all three points. The visitors would hit the front on nine minutes as Greg Hall was adjudged to have handled inside the box. After seeing his penalty saved, Ben Doherty was on hand to convert the rebound. On 54 minutes, Oran Kearney’s men would double their advantage as Stewart Nixon’s long throw-in wasn’t cleared by the Portadown defence and Jamie Glackin steered the ball home from close range. The hosts would be reduced to 10 men as Lee Bonis was dismissed for a second bookable offence as Coleraine added further gloss to the scoreline when James McLaughlin fired home a third on 89 minutes.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“They’re all tough games,” Kearney said.

“Portadown have done really well and had some good results.

“They’re not getting the rub of the green at the minute.

“The key thing for us we’ve got to put the Cliftonville result behind us and go out on Saturday and try and get another three points.

“We need a big squad and we’re going to need everybody.”

Admission:

Supporters are not permitted inside the stadium due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

However, the fixture will be shown live and can be purchased HERE.

A full instruction list for the stream can be read HERE

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