McAree and Jeffrey relishing Premiership derby night at the Showgrounds
Coleraine v Ballymena pick of tonight's games
It is regarded as one of the biggest derbies in the local game …
And for the first time this season in the Danske Bank Premiership, the Showgrounds hosts a game between Coleraine and Ballymena where both points and pride are at stake.
For Rodney McAree, it is his first taste – and the new Bannsiders’ boss said it was a fixture he has been relishing.
“It’s derbies and everyone looks forward to derby day – and I am really looking forward to this one,” he said.
Meanwhile, David Jeffrey said his young Ballymena side were growing in confidence all the time.
But he is well aware they face a couple of big tests – starting tonight and then away to Linfield on Saturday.
“I am looking forward immensely to going to Coleraine – and obviously when we get that out of the way we will look forward to Windsor Park,” he said.
“But I take one game at a time so we are only looking to tonight which will be a mammoth contest but another great challenge for this group of young players just to see exactly where they are at.”
Elsewhere, Ards take on high-flying Glenavon who can go top of the table with a win while struggling Dungannon Swifts are at home to champions Crusaders.
All of the games kick off at 7.45.