Bannsiders ready for first pre-season game

The Bannsiders travel to Mill Meadow to face Moyola Park in what will be the Coleraine fans’ first opportunity to catch a glimpse of Oran Kearney’s new additions. It kick starts a busy schedule for Kearney’s men with four games in 10 days.

This Saturday (July 13th) they travel to Tobermore United, kick off 3pm before a rearranged fixture at Limavady United on Tuesday night (July 16th) after original opponents Kilmarnock changed their plans to visit the province.

Then next Saturday (July 20th) Coleraine travel to the north west again to take on Institute.

“It’s a busy schedule but the boys are chomping at the bit to get playing after a pretty intense couple of weeks with training,” said Kearney.

Meanwhile, winger Jamie Tomelty has surprisingly left The Showgrounds to re-sign for his former club Coagh United.

Tomelty was a January signing for the Bannsiders from Portadown and played 15 times between then and the end of the season.

He had been expected to play a major part in the coming season, but last week asked manager Oran Kearney to be released early from his contract.

“Unfortunately, Jamie doesn’t feel his body is up to the rigours of another season at Premiership level,” Kearney explained.

“I appreciate his honesty because it would have been very easy for him to just sit and pick up his wages for the rest of his contract.

“It says a lot for the type of person that he is.

“Although we’re disappointed to see him leave, we thank him for his efforts in the second half of last season and wish him all the best for his future at Coagh United for this coming season,” he added.