Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins has accused Larne of trying to pressure match officials ahead of Friday's key Premiership clash. Higgins pointed to last season's penalty statistics to argue that the Inver Reds have not been unfairly treated by referees.

Higgins made the comments after Larne boss Gary Haveron expressed frustration over a penalty awarded against his side in Tuesday's Co Antrim Senior Shield defeat to Dundela. Haveron also referenced a non-red card incident from a game against Glentoran last month and another decision from the Bangor match.

Higgins points to the numbers

"I agree it wasn't a penalty but Gary's bringing up a decision that was made three weeks ago that they didn't get," Higgins said. He then presented his own data. "The other thing is they need to be very careful because last season they had 12 penalties, if you do the maths that's a penalty every 3.1 or 3.2 games...compare that to us, we got a penalty every 19 games."

The Coleraine boss was clear about his interpretation of Larne's motives. "I know what they're at because they're coming into a week leading into a big game," he stated. "They are trying to put pressure on people leading into this week." Higgins concluded that the numbers show Larne "haven't been badly treated at all."

Friday's match is a major fixture in the title race and is one of the key fixtures this week. Larne sit third in the Premiership standings with 19 points from seven games, but they are nine points behind leaders Coleraine, who they host this week. The Inver Reds have four games in hand due to European and international commitments. Their recent form is formidable, with five consecutive wins including a 3-0 victory over Crusaders last time out. Coleraine, who have a fully fit squad available, will be looking to extend their lead at the summit.

The last meeting between these sides in August ended in a goalless draw. This Friday's encounter at Inver Park carries significant weight for both teams' championship ambitions.

The original report is at colerainechronicle.co.uk