Reds manager Tommy Breslin expects tough battle against Coleraine

IT’S first versus fifth on Tuesday night in the Dankse Bank Irish Premier League.

League leaders and IRN-BRU Cup winners Cliftonville host Coleraine at Solitude.

On their two previous encounters in this 2012/2013 season, the Reds ran out 3-1 and 5-1 winners.

But Cliftonville manager Tommy Breslin does not think that is fair reflection on his side has played against Colereaine.

“In the first match (at Coleraine Showgrounds) we beat them 5-1. But, honestly, we could have been 5-0 down at half time.

“It’s probably the best anyone has played against us all season. They tore us to shreds.

“We just managed to score a goal before half time and then it was one of those days.

“The 5-1 win wasn’t a true reflection of the game.

“We then beat them 3-1 at Solitude and we had both had chances to win. On the day, we converted ours but Coleraine had a lot of good play and just couldn’t put their chances away.

“We are under no illusions about the game. It will be a tough game. Coleraine are battling to get into sixth place. They are a good team. They have beaten Crusaders and Linfield.”

Cliftonville will be mising Marc Smyth through suspension, and Breslin says he will be a big loss to the team.

“Marc has been absolutely outstanding for us this season,” added Breslin.

But it will a tough game for Coleraine who are up against two of the league’s most profilic strikers up front for Cliftonville.

Joe Gormley and Liam Boyce now have 25 goals each this season.