Premiership

COLERAINE v MOTHERWELL PREVIEW

16 Sep 2020
football
© Coleraine FC Coleraine players celebrate their win over Maribor
Following their heroics last time out Coleraine return to the European stage on Thursday evening when they welcome Motherwell to The Showgrounds.
 
The Bannsiders grabbed the headlines last month with their Europa League victory over Slovenian's NK Maribor to secure their place in this Second Qualifying Round tie, whilst Motherwell defeated Glentoran 5-1 although they only opened the scoring after Mick McDermott's side were reduced to ten men in the second half.
 
Indeed, it has been a disappointing start to the season for 'Well. Languishing at the bottom of the SPL after seven games, they only picked up their first win of the campaign on Saturday with a narrow victory over St. Johnstone.
 
Coleraine need little introduction to Motherwell. Oran Kearney recently managed for a year in Scotland so will be well aware of their capabilities whilst the Fir Park side themselves have a strong Northern Irish connection, from manager Stephen Robinson, his U21 international son Harry, keeper Trevor Carson and the injured Liam Donnelly.
 
With a full panel to choose from - Jamie Glackin and Curtis Allen are both available again - Coleraine have kept active since the Maribor win with games against Limavady United, Belfast Celtc and Linfield. 
 
The game, played to a finish behind closed doors as per current UEFA stipulations, will be streamed live on the BBC Sport NI website, kick-off 7:30pm. The winners progress to the next round - and one step away from the group stage play-offs - against Albanian outfit KF Laci or Israel's Hapoel Beer-Sheva.