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.
