‘We need to hit the same levels’ – OK

BROTHERLY love on the sidelines will have to wait as Oran Kearney takes his Coleraine side to Dungannon Swifts tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine cut the gap at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership to two points on Tuesday night as a brace of penalties from Ben Doherty was enough to see off Portadown at The Showgrounds. That win means Oran Kearney’s side are now unbeaten in their last 13 league outings ahead of tomorrow’s trip to County Tyrone.

It has been a busy week for the Swifts as they lost two league encounters against Glentoran and Warrenpoint Town as they remain at the foot of the league table. However, they will be looking for some inspiration from new boss and former Coleraine midfielder Dean Shiels, who has taken charge at the club on a two-and-a-half-year deal. The 36-year-old, who is the brother-in-law of Oran Kearney, will formally take charge after this weekend’s game.

Previous meetings:

The two clubs are no strangers to each other this season as this will be the third time Coleraine and Dungannon Swifts meet in the Danske Bank Premiership.

The first was back in November as the Swifts pocketed all three points at Stangmore Park as Michael Carvill struck in the first-half, before Rhyss Campbell fired home after the break to make it a 2-0 win for the hosts. That defeat was the Bannsiders’ fourth in a row but they have remained unbeaten since then.

The second meeting was back in January as The Showgrounds pitch passed a mid-morning inspection. Oran Kearney’s men made a strong start as they took the lead on eight minutes as Aaron Jarvis headed home from Jamie Glackin’s cross. The Swifts should have equalised through a Ben Gallagher header, and when they didn’t, Coleraine made them pay as Eoin Bradley struck an unstoppable 25-yard effort on 77 minutes.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“People always say ‘you are playing teams down at the bottom’ but look how hard we had to fight against Portadown and Warrenpoint Town,” Kearney said.

“I’ve never had an easy game as none of these teams walk over and hand you the three points and say away you go.

“Dungannon will be no different, Dixie Robinson is in charge for the time being so he will be putting his own ideas on it and be wanting a response from his players.

“We have to go and hit the same levels as we have been recently.”

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 instructions of 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).