‘We have to got to be raring to go’ – OK

COLERAINE will aim to record their first victory of the season as they make the journey to Shamrock Park tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders made a losing start to the 2020/21 campaign as Kofi Balmer’s first-half header earned Ballymena United all three points at The Showgrounds. Despite creating several opportunities after the break, Oran Kearney’s men were unable to find the back of the net.

Portadown made a winning start on their return to the top flight as they sealed a derby day success against Glenavon. A brace from Stephen Murray added to goals from Lee Bonis and Aaron Burns made it a perfect opening day for Matthew Tipton’s men.

Recent meetings:

This will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs since the 2016/17 season. During that campaign, the Stripes would be awarded a 3-0 win after Portadown were suspended from football football, before a solitary goal from Brad Lyons sealed a 1-0 win at Shamrock Park in October 2016. The final contest would be a six goal thriller in January 2017 with Lyons (2), McCafferty and McCauley finding the net in a 4-2 win on the Ballycastle Road.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We don’t get it easy at Shamrock Park and I wouldn’t expect it to be that way,” Kearney said

“They have fought really hard over the last three or four years to get back into this league and with that being their first home game, they will be bang up for it.

“We have got to lick our wounds from the defeat against Ballymena United, get back to work and make sure we are raring to go for that one.”

Admission:

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, no away supporters will be permitted into the ground.

The match will be streamed live via the 247.tv website HERE.

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