League Cup final: Coleraine boss Oran Kearney determined to defend 1,230 day reign

Coleraine will put a 1,230 day reign on the line when they face Cliftonville in today’s BetMcLean League Cup final at Windsor Park.

It is now three and half years since the cup holders suffered a defeat in the competition when they lost on penalties to Glentoran in October 2018.

Donald Trump was US President, Maurizio Sarri was Chelsea boss and the Coleraine team that lost the third round tie at The Oval included Darren McAuley, Ciaron Harkin and Jamie McGonigle.

The fact the League Cup wasn’t played last season because of the Covid-19 pandemic helped pad out a long-running stat.

But after lifting it in 2020, thanks to a 2-1 win over Crusaders, Bannsiders boss Oran Kearney is eager to keep his hands on the trophy.

“We all remember the experiences of winning the League Cup in 2020 and we remember those experiences like they was yesterday,” said Kearney.

“Most of the players who lifted the trophy two years ago are still at the club and I remember the joy it brought to the players, supporters and everybody associated with the club.

“We’ve enjoyed our little bit of extra time with the trophy (because of the Covid pandemic) and it would be fantastic if we could take it back to the North Coast on Sunday.”

In two spells as Coleraine manager, Kearney has masterminded a number of title challenges, but he has also helped the Bannsiders build a reputation as a serious cup team.

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The Ballycastle Road men have won 23 of their last 28 outings in senior knockout competitions, lifting the Irish Cup in 2018 and League Cup in 2020 in the process.

“We have a lot of guys here who have big game experience and we hope they can bring that on Sunday,” said