Irish Cup Quarter Final weekend as Coleraine face the Glens

Coleraine take a break from the league this Saturday as they take on the Glens in the Quarter Final of the Irish Cup    at the Oval.  This will be Coleraine's third away tie in the cup this year, the previous two away games were wins at Limavady and Carrick. The Glens defeated Ballymena United after a replay and then Loughgall, to reach the quarter finals.
 
 
 
Coleraine go into this game unbeaten now in six games, having won three and drawn three since Oran Kearney has taken over. It's been a remarkable run, considering we have been missing Boyce for all these games, McVeigh has missed three of the games whilst Harkness, Canning, Black and Watt have hardly kicked a ball during these games due to Injury. Oran has had to call on young lads from the reserves to come into the squad and Mukendi has been used as a makeshift striker. So the team has been patched up, but well done to them for digging deep and going on this great run.
 
 
 
Saturdays game is massive for both sides, not only is their a place in the semi final at stake, but Coleraine are in the bottom half of the table with the top six looking a step too far and Glentoran are out of the title race, so both teams need a cup run to keep their seasons alive. Coleraine have faced the Glens three times already this season,  we have lost twice and won once, the last meeting came in January and Coleraine won 3-1.
 
 
Glentorans recent form hasn't been to great, however on Tuesday night they got back to winning ways when they defeated Donegal Celtic 4-0 at the Oval. So both sides go into the quarter final on the back of wins. Coleraine's makeshift striker Mukendi goes into the game, having scored four goals in his last five games for Coleraine, he has also scored now in his last three games, so lets hope the big man can continue his scoring run on Saturday.
 
 
 
 
Again Coleraine will be hit by injuries and suspensions for this game, Canning suspended, Black and McVeigh out injured, also still injury doubts are Boyce, Harkness and Watt. Once again Oran will have to call on some younger members of the squad, McIvor has come in and done really well in recent games, considering he is only 17 and playing out of position, sometimes one players loss is another plays gain and gives them a chance to prove their up to the task of playing for Coleraine.
 
 
 
We all love to get to the cup final in May, the whole town is buzzing, players and fans can think of nothing else but cup final day, it brings everyone together, it's the topic on everyone's lips and when you reach the final, no doubt about it, it's the biggest and best day of the year.  Lets hope this season we can reach the final and keep our season alive and the fans dream alive.
 
C'Mon the stripes.
 
 
 

Oran makes a great start - next up, Ballymena round two

When Oran took over Coleraine, he was already up against it, the team had lost three games on the bounce, moral was low, relegation was looming and players were injured.  His first game in charge was away to Ballymena, and to the fans surprise, they saw a different side than what was turning up recently, we battled, chased down every ball and played like a team who was full of confidence, thanks to a Kyle McVey penalty, Coleraine won 1-0 and Oran got off to a great start.

 

Next up for Coleraine and Oran was a trip to championship high flyers Carrick Rangers in the 6th rd of the Irish Cup, a double from Leon Knight and a fantastic lob from new makeshift Striker Marc Mukendi saw Coleraine run out 3-1 winners and enter the Irish Cup quarter finals.  In the draw which followed the game, Coleraine face an away tie in the quarter final against Glentoran.

 

So with two games and two wins, Coleraine's next game came on Monday night at home to Portadown, Coleraine were missing their new captain, David Ogilby, midfielders Hegarty and Black, defender Harkness and Darren Boyce was on the bench, however he was not fully fit. Considering our record against Portadown in recent seasons a team which we can never seem to beat, we were up against it. 

 

Coleraine started of brightly, but soon found themselves a goal down, however Carson levelled things up with a great goal, however as the game went on things got worse for the Stripes, McVey and Canning both went of injured, which saw Boyce having to come on and young McIvor. In the 2nd half, Watt went of injured and Tommons was sent off. So Coleraine had lost three defenders during the game and we ended up with a makeshift side, with players playing out of position, but the players battled well and earned a well deserved point from the game. It keeps Oran and Coleraine's unbeaten run going which will hopefully still be the case after this weekend.

 

Saturday's away game against Ballymena will be Coleraine's 2nd trip there this month, It will be hard to predict what way Coleraine will line up. McVey looks set to miss the rest of the season due to his foot injury against Portadown, Canning who had his nose broken against Portadown will miss out, Watt went of with a hamstring injury against Portadown also.  Darren Boyce is not fully fit and had to come on the other night as we were low in numbers, Black and Harkness have missed recent games also due to injury and Tommons is suspended for this game, so we will be missing key players, so the lads will have to battle and fight to get a win from this derby.

 

In the last four derby's between Coleraine and Ballymena, Coleraine have won all four, two at home and two away. Going into this derby, Coleraine go into this game unbeaten in their last three games under new manager Kearney having won twice and drawn once, where as Ballymena have lost their last two games and not won in their last seven games, there last win was on the 4th Jan at home to Portadown.  However we all know stats and form go out in the window in derby's, as we saw in our win their last week.

 

There is no more point in talking about reaching the top six, we'll take each game as it comes, if we win and teams around us lose, then so be it, there is some massive games coming up, starting with the derby on Saturday, there is also the Quarter Final of the Irish Cup away to Glentoran.  With injuries and suspensions, it's going to take a massive effort over the next month, us the fans can play our part in backing the team.

 

So let's get up in numbers on Saturday and help keep this run going.

When the Stripes go up to lift the Irish Cup

Coleraine FC will have to be up for the cup this Saturday as they travel away to high flying Championship leaders Carrick Rangers. The last time Carrick won the Irish Cup was in the 1975/76 season, Coleraine were last winners in 2003.

 

 

Having seen his Limavady side knocked out by Coleraine in the previous round of the Irish cup, Oran Kearney will take charge of Coleraine in the 6th round as Coleraine look to book their place in the quarter final of the Irish Cup.   Carrick who are managed by Stephen Small are six points clear in the Championship and are on course to get promoted to the premiership, which if they succeed in doing, will be their frist time promoted to the top flight since 2003.  

 

 

Having lost three games in a row, Coleraine sacked Davy Platt and appointed Oran Kearney as manager, Oran got of to a flyer in his first game in charge, as Coleraine traveled and defeated Ballymena on Tuesday night, thanks to a fantastic team performance and penalty from Kyle McVey. Games are now coming thick and fast for Coleraine, having won on Tuesday night in the league Oran takes his side to Carrick on Saturday followed by a home game against Portadown on Monday night and then another trip to Ballymena next Saturday. With some players still injured Oran may not have the luxury of resting players against Carrick or changing the team much, so it's going to be tough for Coleraine in the next week with three games to play.

 

Carrick have a few experienced ex premier league players in their team, Aiden O'Kane, Noel Anderson, McConnell and McAlinden. One to watch will be striker Anto Lagan who has bagged 18 goals this season so far, Carrick who are unbeaten in their last five home games will fancy their chances of causing an upset, where as Coleraine players will be looking to impress the new manager, so it is all set up for a cracking cup tie, let's just hope that Coleraine can produce the same passion, fight and commitment that we showed against Ballymena and can reach the quarter finals.

 

 

Carrick Rangers nickname - The Gers

Stadium - Taylors Avenue

Carrick are unbeaten in their last five home games

Admission will be £8 adults and £5 for Conseccions

Noel Anderson ex Coleraine player, plays for Carrick Rangers

Will it be all OK at Coleraine as new manager arrives - first up Ballymena away

This time last week, we were coming to terms with our defeat and below par performance away to Dungannon, what followed that week took us all by surprise, a gutless display against Dungannon at home on the Tuesday night saw Coleraine lose 3-0.  Coleraine were now in relegation trouble and a top six finish looked so unlikely. 


Then on Thursday night, it came as a surprise to us all when the club announced the departure of manager Davy Platt. It was sad to see Davy depart, we can talk about it all day, was it right, was it wrong, why? etc, however the board issued a statement and their reasons given were "with only 9 wins out of 24 matches, we felt a decision had to be made to turn around the fortunes of the club. Hence, the Board unanimously decided that a managerial change was the correct decision"
 

Davy a Coleraine fan like the rest of us, put so much time and effort into the job and that has to be recognised and appreciated, he also signed some brilliant players and gave us some memorable results.  To see Davy succeed and lift a trophy as Coleraine manager would have being brilliant, we all wanted to see it happen as much as Davy did, unfortunately we never got the luck in the CIS cup final to see this happen.

However as we all know football can change instantly, and a few results in our favour would have seen Davy still Coleraine manager possibly, like recent games, Newry away when we threw away a 2 goal lead, Leon's missed penalty at Dungannon away could have earned us a draw in that game, however these dropped points and a further 3-0 defeat at home to Dungannon seemed to be the final nail in the coffin and the board reacted by wanting a change and freshening things up at Coleraine.
 


On Thursday night and all day Friday, rumours went round, regarding who the new manager would be, Lomas, Kirk, Kearney, McAllister, Flynn and Tommy Wright all these names were mentioned, however on Saturday morning the board announced that following very positive discussions with Oran Kearney they have appointed the former Linfield and Ballymena player on a 12 month rolling contract. Trevor McKendry who was Oran's assistant manager at Limavady, would be taking up the same role at Coleraine and also appointed has been former Linfield, Ballymena United and Crusaders goalkeeper Gregg Shannon as goalkeeping coach.


Oran couldn't have started his Coleraine managerial career with a tougher game, as he takes his side to derby rivals Ballymena tomorrow night, with injuries and suspensions, this is going to be a tough game for Oran and Coleraine to get something from, Ballymena are going well in the league, where as Coleraine are a team in crisis and low on confidence, Roy Walker’s side are sitting fifth after 24 games, and eight points ahead of Coleraine. But this game gives the players a chance to prove to Oran their worth a place in his team and hopefully we will see some improvement and hopefully Coleraine can pick up some points again.
 

After what has happened over the past week, it is now important that everyone belonging to the club now sticks together, from the fans to the players and the management, lets all rally round behind Oran and the team and lets take this club forward again.  Regardless of the result tomorrow night, we are still involved in the Irish Cup, with Carrick away on Saturday and to see a change in the Coleraine team and set up, Oran will need time and certain players in to see this happen.  Let's give him the chance and support him.
 

Finally, lets not forget the efforts and memories from the time Davy was in charge and lets wish him all the best in the rest of his career along with Aidy McLaughlin and Jody Tolan.

Don't be intimidated by the impossibility, Be motivated by the possibility!

After two inept back to back performances from Coleraine against Dungannon on Saturday and last night, fans are now left wondering where is this Coleraine team going, TOP SIX, I don't think so, relegation battle, we'd be silly to say we won't fall into it. Is Davy to blame?, can the players look themselves in the mirror and say after those two games and say I'm not to blame, NO, they can't, has the fans been let down, YES, as it's currently unacceptable to be sitting 10th in the league and after those last two performances, the players have to ask themselves have they fight or passion to improve things.
 
We had the chance since last Saturday to pick up as many points against Dungannon home and away and Lisburn Distillery at home on Friday night, we needed the points if we wanted to climb into the top half of the table, but we have failed badly, and the most we can now get is three points from a possible nine. Dungannon players recently took a wage cut, yet showed more passion, skill, determination and fight in the two games against us, they deserved the six points and for our efforts we deserved what we got, nothing.
 
The club has had financial problems, with postponed fixtures etc, it was vital to finish top six so we would have some big games at home, but with performances like last night and Saturday, fans won't be back to watch that, last nights crowd was down from normal and if we our playing teams in the bottom half of the table for nothing to play for, id expect worse crowds and more financial trouble for Coleraine. We need to stay in the Irish Cup for as long as possible to try and rescue something from this season otherwise we can write it of as a failure, that’s if some haven't already.
 
As mentioned at the Legends Evening last week by an ex player, Coleraine FC shouldn't set out to just make the top six each season, however, we must be in the top six before the split to give ourselves a chance of finishing higher in the table, as it stands, Linfield should win the league, Crusaders, Glentoran and Cliftonville will battle if out for 2nd place, that leaves another two clubs to finish in the top half before the split, Ballymena currently 5th are seven points ahead of us with a game in hand and better goal difference, I would imagine they will make the top half, that leaves Portadown, Glenavon, Dungannon and Lisburn Distillery along with ourselves trying to make the top six.

Currently we our six points of joining the top six.  This week was our chance to close that gap and we have failed massively and the players have let the fans and management down.

We have the following games listed in order to play before the league splits, Lisburn Distillery at home, Ballymena twice away from home, Newry City at home, followed by Donegal Celtic, Linfield and Glenavon away and lastly Crusaders at home.  Worryingly that is only three home games and five away games. The players know what is required and needed to make the top six before the split, the management know what is needed, it's time to step up to the plate, "Don't be intimidated by the impossibility, Be motivated by the possibility "
 
We ain't happy losing games but we can accept it better if we get beat and show some fight, passion and effort, however we ain't seen that recently, at least give us that between now and the end of the season. We the fans I hope will keep backing the side and hopefully sooner or later we are back to winning ways as we know the players have the quality as seen in games against Cliftonville and Glentoran. 

Remaining league games before the league splits

04 Feb Home Lisburn Distillery  19:45
08 Feb Away Ballymena United  19:45
19 Feb Away Ballymena United  15:00
26 Feb Home Newry City  15:00
01 Mar Away Donegal Celtic  19:45
12 Mar Away Linfield  15:00
19 Mar Away Glenavon  15:00
26 Mar Home Crusaders  15:00
 
 
 
 

Double header v Dungannon as Stripes aim to make top six

 
Coleraine will face Dungannon Swifts twice in four days both in the Carling Irish Premiership.  We will travel to play the Swifts in the league on Saturday and on Tuesday night Coleraine will host Dungannon at the Showground's in a rearranged league game, which was called off in December due to the bad weather. These two games are massive and if we can collect six points, then the Stripes will be on course for a top six finish.
 
Giving where both sides are in the league, Coleraine 8th, Dungannon 10th and are only separated by four points with all games equal, these two games are massive for both sides, failure to take at least three or even four points from the two games, could leave Coleraine struggling to make the top six and giving our away form, it's hard to see us getting more than four points from the two games as our recent record at Stangmore Park hasn't been great.
 
It's been frustrating for Davy and his players recently along with the fans, one week were playing, then the next game is called off due to a frozen pitch, it's start stop and it's hard to get any kind of run or form going with the weather continually causing havoc throughout the league. Surely it's come to the stage where the IFA and clubs must get together to discuss an outcome, possibly starting the season earlier, a winter break, CIS cup games midweek, it's something which has to be looked at, as clubs losing Saturday games and having to play them in midweek is financially damaging clubs and a further blow to the local game.
 
Saturday will be our second visit to Stangmore Park this season, the last visit there was in October and Dungannon were comfortable winners that night winning 3-0, last season, in our two visits to Stangmore Park last season we lost one and drew one.  So it's proved a hard place for us to win and hopefully on Saturday we can come away from the game unbeaten and it we are fortunate enough maybe we can take three points.
 
Both sides played on Tuesday night, Coleraine travelled to Limavady in the 5th rd of the Irish Cup and ran out 2-1 winners, with goals from Knight and Carson. Dungannon defeated
 
Match Info
 
Dungannon play there games at Stangmore Park
Coleraine captain Michael Hegarty and David Scullion once played for Dungannon FC
 
 

club news

Coleraine v Portadown was called off last Saturday due to a frozen pitch, which sees another game now to be played midweek and more financial problems for the club.
 
Coleraine have only had one Saturday league game at home now since the end of November
 
Tickets are now on sale to win a brand new VW Fox Supermini, tickets are available priced at £10 from Coleraine Football Club and Supporters Clubs.  This is a fundraiser for Coleraine Football Club.
 
Thursday night in the club is the Carling Legends night - Tickets are still available and free, they can be collected at Coleraine Social Club.
 
This Friday night in the club the Coleraine Academy are hosting a quiz night, starting at 7.30pm, everyone wlecome along.
 
On Saturday Coleraine are away to Dungannon Swifts in the Carling Premiership
 
Next Tuesday night Coleraine are home to Dungannon Swifts in the Carling Prermiership.

Local Derby as Limavady host Coleraine in the Irish Cup

After the chaos which angered Coleraine and their fans where they had no cup game last weekend, due to Limavady and Wakehurst not playing their 4th round tie in time, Coleraine will play their 5th round Irish cup game on Tuesday night away to Limavady. This game should have taken place last Saturday, but it didn't and it's another fixture to our backlog of games.

 

Coleraine will travel the short journey over the mountain to take on Limavady in a game which will be a local derby, some Coleraine players will not need to travel over the mountain, as Coleraine players, Canning, Tommons and Lowry are from Limavady and have all previously played for the Roesiders, this should add extra interest to the game and among the fans.  Limavady will have Coleraine based Trevor Hutchinson in team who will be put to prove a point.

 

The two sides have met already this season, it came back in September when Coleraine hosted Limavady in the semi final of the North West Cup, Coleraine won that game 1-0 thanks to a Stephen Carson strike. Last season the two teams contested the North West Cup final and Coleraine won that night on penalties after the game finished 3-3.

 

Coleraine will be favourites in this game, but we all know it will be a tough game in which Limavady will be fired up for as they hope to cause a shock, Coleraine I hope will realise this and hopefully will do enough to win on the night and earn us a place in the 6th round against the winners or Carrick Rangers v Shankill Utd.

 

Both teams go into the cup game having not played any football at the weekend due to yet again more frozen pitches, which yet again brings up that debate on Summer Football or at least a different format to the current league set up, as all these postponed games are costing clubs a lot of money which is bad for the local game. So both sides will be itching to get on the pitch come Tuesday night as they battle it out to stay in the Irish Cup.

C'Mon the Stripes

 

Match Info

Limavady play at Limavady Showgrounds

Limavady Manager - Oran Kearney

Coleraine players, Canning, Lowry and Tommons previously played for Limavady

Limavady Nickname - Roesiders

Ex Coleraine striker Trevor Hutchinson plays for Limavady United

 

Ports at home as Stripes look to stay unbeaten

On Saturday Coleraine take on Portadown for the second time this month and 4th time this season, sad thing is they have beaten us the previous three times and worryingly it's been a few seasons since we have last beaten Portadown, so without adding much pressure to the team, Saturday is a must win game for us.

 

Forgetting about the cup game last week in which Portadown won 2-0, a game in which we were terrible, Saturday gives the team a chance to prove to Portadown that it was a one off and find the form in which we showed against Cliftonville and Glentoran at home and hopefully collect another three points at home this month.

 

So far this month we have played three league games, collecting seven points, defeating both Cliftonville and Glentoran at home and drawing 2-2 away at Newry which was our first draw of the season. So we are unbeaten in the league this year, and if we can maintain that form and keep picking up points we can give ourselves a chance of making the top six before the split, which is vital for this club and necessary, as we all know Coleraine FC should be in the top half of the table.

 

For anyone who braved the trip to Newry on Tuesday night, witnessed a game in which the ref had a shocker and Coleraine FC failed to kill the game off after going up 2-0 and failing to take the chances we had to go 3 or 4 goals up.  But we will try to look of the bright side and at least we remained unbeaten and collected another point, which gives us something to take into Saturdays clash against the Ports, knowing we our unbeaten in our last three league games and have won our last two home games. A win on Saturday and if teams around us lose, then the top six place will be closer and give the club and team a boost ahead of some important league games.

 

Coleraine are currently four points ahead of Portadown in the league, with all games equal, although we are still six points away from the top six, so Saturday is a massive game for both teams as they look to climb the table, hopefully a good home crowd will be in attendance and get behind the lads as they try to make it three home league wins in a row and end the poor run of form against Portadown.

 

Tuesday nights 2-2 against Newry was our first draw of the season

Portadown have several players suspended and injured for Saturdays game

latest news from the club

Last weekend Coleraine had no game in the Irish Cup as Limavady and Wakehurst didn't play each other in midweek.  The game was played on Saturday and Limavady beat Wakehurst, so Limavady will now host Coleraine on Tues 25th Jan -  kick off 7.45pm.

 

On Saturday, Coleraine defeated Portstewart 4-0 in a friendly game at Coleraine showgorunds, Knight and Scullion both got two goals each.

 

Tuesday night saw Coleraine travel to Newry in the Carling Premiership, we raced into a 2 goal lead only to throw it away as Newry equalised in the 94th minute, any fans who saw the game will have witnessed a shameful performance from the ref Courtney.

 

On Saturday Coleraine will face Portadown at the Showgrounds in the Carling Premiership kick off 3pm.

 

Carling Legends Night - This year's line-up is sure to provide plenty of scope for searching questions and entertaining answers as current Coleraine goalkeeper Davy O'Hare joins CFC stars of yesteryear Johnny McCurdy, Ivan Murray and Liam Beckett. BBC NI's Jackie Fullerton will compere the evening.

The Legends' Evening will be held in the Coleraine FC Social Club on 27th January, commencing at 8pm. Tickets (free) are available from the Social Club and club Secretary's Office.

 

 

NOVEL fitness classes will be commencing at the Coleraine Showgrounds shortly...

Tae Bo combat style aerobics classes will be held at Coleraine Football Club each Thursday at 7pm, starting on February 3rd. Tae Bo style aerobics blends aerobics, self-defence, martial arts, dance, kickboxing, and yoga to form a cardiovascular exercise regime. Tae Bo builds muscles, burns fat, increases coordination and promises to be engaging and fun.

The classes will be run by North Coast Fitness (www.northcoastfitness.co.uk) with all welcome to join in. For more details contact Joanne on 0772 9968 911.

 

 

LIFELONG Coleraine FC fan Ronnie Kane will be leading the way in a fundraiser for the Bannsiders…

Ronnie has been keen to help with efforts to raise funds for the Showgrounds’ club and, following discussions with the CFC board, will be participating in a sponsored wheelchair push. Plans are now in place for the event to take place on Saturday 26^th February with the route starting and finishing at the Showgrounds via the ring road, Sandelford Bridge, Strand Road, Old Bridge and town centre.

The wheelchair push will commence at approximately 9am with Ronnie leading from the front plus various CFC players and management team, Board members and fans and friends participating in the event. Upon the return to the Showgrounds (in time for the Bannsiders home match against Newry City!) light refreshments will be provided in the Social Club for all participants.

The club would like to encourage as many fans and friends to take part in the event as possible. Sponsorship forms will be distributed to all Supporters Clubs whilst individual fans can obtain sponsorship forms from CFC General Manager Dessie Brown at the Showgrounds during normal working hours or on matchdays.

 

Romance of the cup

Once the New Year arrives with it is the 5th round of the Irish cup, the famous cup competition welcomes the premier league teams in what is the cup every team in Northern Ireland wants to win, like the FA Cup in England and Scottish Cup in Scotland, it's the BIG ONE and every team wants to be at Windsor Park come the final in May.

 

Our last Irish Cup win came in 2003 when Jody Tolan poked the ball over the line as we defeated Glentoran 1-0 and won our first major trophy in 26 years.  The season after that we reached the cup final again however this time the Glens defeated us 1-0.  Our last appearance in the final was in 2008 when we lost 2-1 against Linfield.  Coleraine have won the Irish Cup five times and been Runners up six times. Our first Irish Cup win came in 1965 as we defeated Glenavon 2-1 at Windsor Park in front of 18,000 fans.

 

Last season we had a great cup run which sadly came to an end against Linfield in the semi final in which they ran out 4-2 winners in the game which was held at The Oval. On our run to the semi final we defeated Dundela away in the 5th round 2-0, followed by 6-0 victory over junior club Nortel in the 6th round. In the quarter final we defeated Newry 3-2 at Coleraine Showground's. Rory Patterson scored in all of those cup games.

 

The cup is all about the romance and small clubs getting the chance to host Linfield, Glentoran, Coleraine, Crusaders etc. so they can get the chance of an upset and making the history books and also the fact that their club makes a massive amount of money in gate receipts that they are not used to.  It's always exciting to see what ties the 5th round draw throws up, this years draw was made in the Culloden Hotel on Wednesday 15th December by Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington.

 

This season there was some exciting ties in the 5th round and some clubs will be chuffed with the draw. Coleraine will face an away trip to the winners of Limavady or Wakehurst, what an exciting cup tie that would be if Limavady where to play Coleraine in the 5th round, one which our North West neighbours would be well up for and relish the challenge of knocking us out, Coleraine although favourites who would prefer taking on Limavady or Wakehurst instead of a premier league club, but they will face a team out to cause an upset and battle for their lives.  So an away win of any kind to see the Stripes in the hat for the 6th round will be welcomed.

 

Other exciting ties in the cup will be Glentorans trip to Ballymena in one of the three all premier league ties. Institute from the championship have drawn holders Linfield, Warrenpoint Town from Championship 2 are at home to Cliftonville in what is a fantastic draw for them and gives them a chance against the premier league big boys, the last chance of a giant killer in the 5th round is the game between Annagh United of Championship two and Marty Quinn's Glenavon.

 

So remember when filling in your diary for next year to keep Saturday 15th January free and get along to an Irish Cup game, who knows you may see a giant killing or a shock.

 

Let's hope the Bannsiders like last season can go on another great cup run.

 

The only way is up

November wasn't a great month, home defeats to Glentoran and Portadown as well as an embarrassing defeat away to 10 man Donegal Celtic.  December saw not a ball kicked, so we entered January not knowing what to expect and with our first two games against Cliftonville and Glentoran, you couldn't blame us for thinking the worst. But things have changed and so far the team is on fire, like the players I'm sure the fans can't wait for Saturdays league game away to Donegal Celtic and hopefully continue the fine form and our march up the table.

 

Fantastic - that describes are first week in January, two home games against Cliftonville and Glentoran and Coleraine score six goals and collect six points, a fantastic effort from the players which gives us a great platform to build on.  The only way is up now as Coleraine aim to enter the top six, if we can keep this unbeaten start up and keep nicking points the rest of the month there's a great chance we could be in the top six or knocking hard at the door come the end of the month. If the players keep putting the effort in that we saw in the last two games, there's no reason why we can't get the results.

 

Since our last meeting with Donegal Celtic back in November we have only played three league games, the last meeting between the two sides saw DC run out 2-1 winners, what was disappointing for Coleraine was that DC had a man sent off in the first minute, it was unacceptable that day that we didn't get anything from the game, hopefully that’s the motivation this weekend for the team to go there and take the points.

 

Donegal Celtic had an excellent win on New Years Eve beating Linfield at home 2-0, they then lost on Tuesday night away at Dungannon, but having beaten the Blues at home, they will believe they can beat anyone at their ground.  However Coleraine will be full of confidence having stepped up to the plate and delivered in fine form in their last two games. We beat a very good footballing side Cliftonville 3-2, thanks to goals from Boyce, a cracking Ogilby free kick and stunning strike from Lowry.  When the Glens came to town on Tuesday night a lot of ones probably expected us to drop points, but once again every player stood up and gave there all for the shirt, Kyle scored a great header to put us 1 up, followed by Black making it 2-0, in the 2nd half, Knight who was being wrestled all night by the Glens defence headed home a 3rd and sent the Bannsiders wild, the Glens pulled one back late on, but the Stripes held on for another great win.

 

We have a lot of games this month and not every player will be able to feature in all games, be it through injury, suspension or whatever reason, but for Saturday I'd like to see the same side out that started against the Glens and lets see Coleraine make it three in a row for 2011.

 

So as we have all settled back into are first week back at work after the holidays and started our new years resolutions, make sure you keep backing the team and hopefully the players and management new years resolutions is to get the club into the top six and maybe another final.

 

 

Match Info

This well be the 4th meeting between the two sides this season, Coleraine have won three and lost one

Donegal Celtic are currently bottom of the Carling Premiership

John Watt of Coleraine will be suspended for this game

Leon Knight has now scored 6 goals in 7 games for the Bannsiders

Donegal Celtic are knows as The Wee Hoops

 

Club news

Last Wednesday Coleraine announced the signing of Gavin Cullen from Finn Harps on a one and a half year deal.

On New Years Eve Coleraine Football Club was packed as they brought in the New Year with a live band.

New Years Day - Coleraine defeated Cliftonville 3-2, scorers Boyce, Ogilby and Lowry.

Tues 4th January - Coleraine 3-1 Glentoran, scorers McVeigh, Black, and Knight.

Coleraine face Donegal Celtic away this Saturday in the Carling Premiership.

Next Tues night Coleraine will travel to face Portadown in the CIS Cup quarter final - kick off 7.45pm

Bannsiders Coleraine Supporters Club are selling Coleraine FC badges, all proceeds going to Coleraine FC

Coleraine enjoyed good attendances at their last two home games, 1022 watched Coleraine defeat Cliftonville, and 1116 saw the Stripes defeat Glentoran.

Thick and Fast - Glens up next

After over a month with no football, it seems we are now being spoilt as Coleraine play their 2nd game in four days as they take on Glentoran at home in the Carling Premiership. This will be the third meeting between the two sides, Coleraine have lost the last two games so will be looking to pick up something from this game. So having gone so long without any football, we are in for a busy month ahead.

Both teams played on Saturday, Glentoran lost at home 1-0 to Portadown and missed out on the chance to go top of the league, Coleraine however had an excellent 3-2 win at home to Cliftonville, with Boyce, Ogilby and Lowry all scoring with great strikes.  Having gone 3-0 up it looked as if we would win easily, however Cliftonville scored right on the stroke of half time and in the 2nd half came out and attacked us, however we defended very deeply and luckily enough came away with a 3-2 win, which sets us up nicely for the Glentoran game.

The last meeting between the two sides was Tues 9th November, the Glens ran out 2-1 winners that night, however things might have been different had Knight and Black not went of injured.  It's important that on Tuesday night we get a result be it a win or a draw and try and get some consistency into the team and push up the table, the players have to go into the game not fearing the Glens and believe that they can get a result.  Now is the time for us Davy and the players to prove the doubters wrong and take us up the table.

Currently we are 8th in the table, 7 points of the top six with a game in hand, if we can go on an unbeaten run and pick up points in the month of January, with a bit of luck that gap could be closed very quickly. Our club should be in the top six and that's why it's important that the team goes on a good run, Saturday gives us a platform to build on and hopefully installed some confidence and belief in the players.

Personally i would play the same team that started on Saturday, if all fit, however with players back from suspension it gives Davy more options.  We had Cliftonville at home where we took three points, Glens at home next and to end the week we have an away trip to Donegal Celtic, seven points from three games would be a fantastic start to the new year, however football never pans out that way, and we will take one game at a time, i just hope come full time against the Glens we are still unbeaten this year.

Coleraine welcome back Beverland and Black after suspension

Coleraine have lost twice to Glentoran this season

Last January when the two teams met at the Showgrounds, Coleraine ran out 4-3 winners.

Fixture Pile up

Nine games in a month - who'd have thought that after going a month without a game, well that’s the fixture pile up Coleraine have been given.  For the rest of the month we will have a game every Tuesday night and Saturday afternoon, in a bid to clear our backlog of fixtures.

 

It's a headache for Davy, as I'm sure we will end up hampered with injuries and suspensions and for a part time club and players it's a lot to ask.  I'm sure full time clubs in England and Scotland would complain if they had to play as many games in a month as we do.  But the fixtures have been set and therefore we must get on with it.

 

We will have home games against Glentoran, Portadown and Dungannon, whilst there is a lot of travelling involved for the fans as we face Donegal Celtic, Portadown, Newry and Dungannon all away from home as well as a possible Irish Cup away game.

 

Come the end of the month, weather permitting, we will have played seven league games and by then I would hope Coleraine will be either in the top six or knocking on their door.  It's a massive month for us in January and we must pick up as many points as possible.

 

January's Fixtures

IPL - Coleraine v Cliftonville Sat 1st

 

IPL - Coleraine v Glentoran Tues 4th

 

IPL - Donegal Celtic v Coleraine Sat 8th

 

CIS Cup QF - Portadown v Coleraine Tues 11th

 

Irish Cup - Limavady/Wakehurst v Coleraine Sat 15th

 

IPL - Newry v Coleraine Tues 18th

 

IPL - Coleraine v Portadown Sat 22nd

 

IPL - Coleraine v Dungannon Tues 25th

 

IPL - Dungannon v Coleraine Sat 29th