Match Preview

‘We know our destiny’ – OK

COLERAINE get their post-split fixtures underway as in-form Cliftonville are the visitors to the Ballycastle Road this afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

The Bannsiders were knocked out of the Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup in midweek as a late goal from Paul Heatley was the difference at The Showgrounds. This means Coleraine are solely on league duty before the campaign ends as Oran Kearney’s men aim to keep tabs on Linfield and Glentoran.

The Reds have been in good form as late as they’ve only lost one of their last ten matches in all competitions. The North Belfast side booked their spot in the second round of the Irish Cup on Tuesday night after a 5-1 win against Portstewart at Solitude. Paddy McLaughlin’s troops are currently 4th in the Danske Bank Premiership table, six points behind Coleraine.

Previous Meetings:

The two teams have faced each other three times this season with the first going in the way of Coleraine as James McLaughlin came off the bench to bag a deadly brace at Solitude in the final match of 2020.

A month later, Coleraine welcomed Cliftonville to the Ballycastle Road but fell behind as Rory Hale scored an exquisite lob. However, Oran Kearney’s men turned the game on its head to lead at the interval as Aaron Traynor and James McLaughlin found the back of the net. Just when it looked like the hosts done enough to secure all three points, the Reds would leave with a point as Paul O’Neill scrambled home from Daire O’Connor’s cross.

Last month, the Bannsiders would lose their long unbeaten streak as they were beaten 2-1 in North Belfast. In a tight first-half, the Reds would edge ahead through Jaimie Harney’s header, before Paul O’Neill doubled their advantage after the interval. The Stripes managed to get a foothold into the contest through Ben Doherty’s penalty but their chances of salvaging a point were dented as Eoin Bradley was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“We know our destiny is five league games, which will be played over the next four weeks, so it’s up to us to really go and put everything we can into them,” Kearney said.

“Like every top six side, we know what these last five games are going to look like.

“They are going to be edgy and not a huge amount of chances, so it’s about those moments of quality and brilliance.”

Admission:

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

However, the match will be streamed live via the 247.tv platform HERE

A full list of stream instructions can be read HERE

Sponsors:

Match Sponsor: Causeway Coach and Mini Bus Hire

Ball Sponsor: Derek Stewart