Momentum key for Bannsiders

Stephen Carson’s injury time winner against Glenavon was just the tonic the stuttering Bannsiders needed this season.

A frustrating campaign punctuated with more draws than wins has left Kearney’s side languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Last week’s victory lifted the Showgrounds outfit to seventh, the their manager hopes it is the sign of things to come in the weeks ahead.

“Nothing beats a late goal to win a game, so it was a big lift for the players,” he said.

“It was like a big relief for everyone, and it was a day when things went right for us.

“But we won’t be getting carried away. We have to focus on our next game and take it piece by piece, starting with a good opening half and taking it from there.”

Next up for Coleraine is tomorrow’s trip to Clandeboye Park to face basement club Ards.

“Ards have registered three wins against three good sides in Ballymena, Ballinamallard and Portadown. So they are capable on their day,” Kearney added.

“They might be bottom of the league, but we know they will be a stern test for us.

“They are back at Clandeboye again with the new surface, so they will be determined to do well.

“They will be hungry for points, but we are also looking to climb the table with a victory.

“So we need our attitude and application to be spot on, and if we do then we should do well.”

STATS

Recent P’ship form (latest on left): Ards L-L-W-L-L; Coleraine W-D-L-D-W

Last four league meetings: Coleraine 1 Ards 1; Coleraine 2 Ards 4; Ards 2 Coleraine 5; Ards 1 Coleraine 2