‘We have to keep pushing’ – OK

COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney insists he has not been downtrodden by recent results but knows how important it is to get back to winning ways against Warrenpoint Town this evening (KO 5:30pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine come into the fixture needing a return to winning ways after Wednesday night’s 2-1 defeat to Linfield at Windsor Park. That results sees the Bannsiders trail the Blues by twelve points in the table, although, Coleraine still do have a game in hand. Oran Kearney is expected to be without the services of Gareth Deane after his unfortunate injury at the National Stadium, as well as Aaron Canning who is suspended.

Warrenpoint were also in action in midweek as they were edged out by Glenavon at Mourneview Park, with Barry Gray’s side also finishing the contest with 10 men as Dermot McVeigh was dismissed. The ‘Point are 9th in the table and will hope to extend their advantage on the teams below them before the season ends.

Previous meetings:

Coleraine have recorded maximum points from their two fixtures against Warrenpoint Town this campaign – with both matches ending 2-1 to Oran Kearney’s men.

The first was in December 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, 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.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We have a lot of damage done against Linfield and we have to get everyone charged again,” Kearney said.

“We have to keep pushing and it’s as simple as that.

“This season has been like no other and people have said it a few times that ‘the league has been won and put out of sight’ but we have managed to keep hanging in there.

“Whilst it was a frustrating result against Linfield, we still have our game in hand which can bring it to nine points, we still have Linfield again which can bring it to six and everybody has to play each other in the top six.

“I’m not downtrodden that way and there’s a lot of football to be played.”

Admission:

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

However, the fixture will be shown live on the BBC Sport NI website and via the Red Button.

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