Winning Trail

COLERAINE target a return to winning ways as they are the visitors to Mourneview Park tomorrow afternoon (KO 3pm)…

Danske Bank Premiership

Overview:

Coleraine lost at home in the Danske Bank Premiership for the first time in over a year last Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 by Linfield. The Stripes would hit the front through Rodney Brown’s header but that was quickly cancelled out through Christy Manzinga’s close range finish. The visitors would take the lead in controversial circumstances four minutes into the second-half as Stephen Fallon’s strike found the bottom corner after the ball struck referee Tim Marshall in the build-up. Oran Kearney’s side would have chances to at least grab a share of the spoils but they left empty handed.

Gary Hamilton’s side have won three out of their last four Premiership contests, including last weekend’s success against Crusaders as Matthew Fitzpatrick was the match winner. The Lurgan Blues currently sit in 8th spot in the table after playing 16 games and they were drawn at home to Crusaders in the opening round of the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup.

Previous meetings:

The two teams met in October in what would prove to be a fourth successive draw between the sides. The Bannsiders would hit the crossbar through Conor McKendry in the first-half, with Kyle Beggs and Michael O’Connor also rattling the woodwork. Oran Kearney’s men would have the perfect chance to take the lead as Stephen Lowry had a penalty saved before Cathair Friel’s strike was cleared off the line by Mark Stafford. The Stripes would have further opportunities to find that elusive goal but their efforts would prove to be vain as both teams had to settle for a point at The Showgrounds.

Manager’s Thoughts:

“It will be a tough game,” Kearney said.

“We are hurting after the Linfield result but we have regrouped and trained well.

“It’s important now that we get back on the winning trail again.

Officials:

The match referee will be Andrew Davey.

The assistant referees are Gareth Eakin and David Burns.

Niall Gallagher has been selected as the fourth official.

Admission:

Coleraine supporters will require tickets for the fixture which can be purchased HERE.

If you are not feeling yourself this evening and you have symptoms which you feel are similar to COVID-19, please stay away from the stadium and think of others.

If you have access to a lateral flow/PCR test at home, we would encourage you to check yourself before coming to the game.

If you have been in contact with a positive case and haven’t yet been contacted by track and trace, please do not come to the game.

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