ORAN EXPECTS HARDER TESTS

ORAN Kearney continues to be invincible at

Coleraine.

The Bannsiders boss is well aware though that stern tests await his side in their quest to stay unbeaten in the league this season.

With Crusaders drawing 1-1 at Ballymena United on Saturday, Coleraine’s 3-0 victory at home to Warrenpoint took them to within three points of Stephen Baxter’s side at the top of the table.

Next up for Kearney’s men is a trip to Seaview this weekend followed by a clash at home to Linfield.

Such has been Coleraine’s fantastic form it’s as if Kearney never left last season to keep St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. Prior to that he had pushed the Crues all the way in the 2017/2018 title race and won the Irish Cup.

Coleraine extended their unbeaten league run this term to 11 Danske Bank Premiership games and a staggering 39 league matches overall under Kearney with the brilliant Ben Doherty scoring twice against bottom club Warrenpoint, one a dubious penalty and the other when he netted a rebound after his spot-kick was saved by Berraat Turker. Eoin

Bradley was also on target with a superb free-kick.

“I thought we were exceptional,” said Kearney.

“Now we have a big game against Crusaders to look forward to.

“It’s first against second and these are the matches you want to be involved in.

“We have had some great battles with them over the last couple of years and I’m sure this will be no different. We will go there looking to win the game.”

Coleraine have had a 4-2 success against Crues already this season so Kearney will travel with confidence.

The Crues led at Ballymena through a Jamie Mcgonigle penalty before Ryan Harpur levelled.

GOAL Ballymena United celebrate after goal against Crusaders