Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Lowry’s a driver for Coleraine
Institute v Coleraine Today, 1pm
STEPHEN LOWRY is confident Coleraine will park their League Cup joy and refocus on the title race in today’s early kick-off at bogey club Institute (1pm).
Oran Kearney’s men lifted the Betmclean trophy with a 2-1 win over Crusaders in last week’s showpiece at Windsor Park.
But Lowry, who was on target from the penalty spot against the Crues, knows the Bannsiders have to stay in the present to avoid an upset at the Brandywell.
The cultured midfielder said: “Winning the League Cup was fantastic and as a club we celebrated the achievement, but it wasn’t over the top and it’s gone now.
“We have some big games coming up and that’s where our focus lies now. There has been a good buzz in training and we’re looking forward to another important league game.”
Larne and Institute, who beat Coleraine 2-0 at the Brandwell in November and drew at the Showgrounds in August, are the only two sides Coleraine have failed to beat this season.
“It’s something we need to address,” said Lowry, who has been a key component of Coleraine’s resurgence under Oran Kearney this season.
“As a player, the Brandywell has been an unhappy hunting ground for me. I can’t remember too many positive results there as a Linfield or Coleraine player.
“At Coleraine this season, we’ve had two disappointing results against Institute and we know we need to make that right although it’ll be tough.
“It’s a local derby, they’re fighting for their lives at the foot of the table and they have a lot of young, hungry players, so we know what to expect.”
Sean Connor’s men, who drew 2-2 at Warrenpoint Town last weekend, lie two points adrift of Warrenpoint at the foot of the table.