Season Review

November

2018-19 Season Review: November

CONSISTENCY would prove to be a major downfall for the Bannsiders in November as they won two and lost two of their five Danske Bank Premiership fixtures…

Coleraine boss Rodney McAree would celebrate his second win as Bannsiders boss as a double from Darren McCauley was enough to defeat Institute. In windy conditions at the Brandywell, it was the visitors who went ahead on 10 minutes as Darren McCauley used the wind to his advantage and curled home directly from a corner. Institute were left frustrated in the dying embers of the first half as Coleraine doubled their lead thanks to the lively McCauley. The winger showed power and skill to cut in from the left wing before curling a right footed strike from the edge of the box which found its way into the back of the net.  The Drumahoe outfit went all out in the closing minutes as Darren Henderson, Joe McCready and Callum Moorehead all entered the fray. Immediately McCready threatened but his effort was thwarted by Chris Johns in the Coleraine goal. With minutes remaining, Institute managed to pull a goal back. Dean Curry launched the ball over the top where Moorehead controlled well before squaring the ball across goal to the advancing McCready who slotted home from six yards, but Coleraine held on victory.

Coleraine players celebrate McCauley’s deflected first-half strike.

Coleraine would produce their best performance under the management of Rodney McAree a week later as they ran out 2-1 winners against Linfield. In truth, the 2-1 scoreline flattered Linfield as the Bannsiders were in control for the majority of the 90 minutes and could have scored more such was their dominance. On 22 minutes the deadlock was broken as the dangerous Darren McCauley went on a lung busting run and struck an effort on goal. As the ball looked destined to find a Coleraine player at the back post, Linfield defender Matthew Clarke could only fire into his own net after trying to clear his lines. The Bannsiders were becoming rampant and threatened as Burns had an effort deflected wide, McCauley fired over the crossbar after a neat passage of play on the by-line and Carroll was alert to deny McCauley once more after he was picked out by Harkin. On the hour mark, there would be further frustration in the Coleraine ranks as Harkin dispossessed Jamie Mulgrew and found Bradley. The former Glenavon man looked up and spread the ball out to Jamie McGonigle but fired over the crossbar. However the second goal duly arrived on 65 minutes as Coleraine counter-attacked from a corner and Harkin’s cross was once again turned into his own net by a Linfield player, notably Kirk Millar. Just as the Irish Cup holders looked like securing all three points without any setbacks, David Healy’s side grabbed a goal back on 87 minutes as Millar’s inswinging corner found its way into the net via a deflection. The Blues sensed they might get an equaliser and threatened a minute later as Johns was alert to deny substitute Brandon Doyle inside the box. There would be one late chance for Linfield at the death as Niall Quinn sent a free-kick over the crossbar as Coleraine registered a vital three points at the National Stadium.

Coleraine were chasing a third win in as many games as they welcomed Glentoran to The Showgrounds. However it would be the visitors who would make the breakthrough on 25 minutes as Conor Pepper’s free-kick wasn’t defended properly and Robbie McDaid profited to head home from close range. As the half-time whistle blew, there would be controversy as striker Eoin Bradley was given his marching orders by referee Evan Boyce for foul and abusive language. With a new shape and change of tactics, the Stripes started the second-half on the front foot and got a deserved equaliser as Darren McCauley rifled home from 10 yards. Both sides would create chances to win the game but a draw was arguably the fair outcome on the Ballycastle Road.

McCauley goes on a run as Coleraine were edged out against Warrenpoint Town at Milltown.

Coleraine would be on their travels as they faced Warrenpoint Town at Milltown and knew they would face a far tougher challenge than they did on the opening day of the season. It would prove to be that way as they suffered their first defeat away from home in over a year as defensive mistakes proved costly. Much to the run of play, Warrenpoint took the lead via Alan O’Sullivan. The striker latched onto a ball out wide before beating Coleraine defender Gareth McConaghie for pace and slotting past the advancing Chris Johns. Coleraine grabbed an equaliser after the restart as Darren McCauley fired home from close range after an expertly delivered free kick from Josh Carson. Almost immediately, Warrenpoint were awarded a penalty as Gareth McConaghie was adjudged to have fouled the lively O’Sullivan inside the box. Glenavon loanee, Robert Norton,made no mistake from 12 yards as he slammed the ball home to put Stephen McDonnell’s men back in front. Jamie McGonigle had a speculative effort as Coleraine searched for an equaliser in the closing minutes but to no avail.

Limavady United would cruise into the North West Senior Cup final in a one-sided semi-final against a youthful Coleraine side. After dominating the early proceedings, a goal had been coming, and it duly arrived on 38 minutes, when Boyle finally forced home the ball, following two blocked efforts into the box. Four minutes later, the lead was doubled, as Pomeroy stroked home following McCarron’s perceptive short pass. The break arrived with United in total control. Things got even better after the break for the hosts. On 53 minutes the tie was ended as a contest, when McCarron scored, collecting the ball and shooting low into the net. He notched his second three minutes later, turning on the edge of the box to volley home. Just after the hour mark, Pomeroy was hauled over in the box, and McCarron stepped up to smash the penalty down the middle of the goal for his first senior hat trick.

The BBC Sport Northern Ireland cameras would roll into The Showgrounds as Coleraine hosted Newry City on Friday Night Football. It would prove to be a nightmare evening for the Stripes as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Darren Mullen’s side. After Coleraine missed chances through Jamie McGonigle and Ciaron Harkin, the visitors made the breakthrough as Mark McCabe was sent through by Stephen Hughes and the striker kept his cool to lob ‘keeper Chris Johns. In a game that lacked any creativity, McAree’s side were only creating efforts from distance as Jamie McGonigle and Darren McCauley fired aimlessly wide as frustration began to creep in at The Showgrounds. City were looking to threaten on the counter attack and should have put the game to bed on 80 minutes as Montgomery picked out the run of Stephen Hughes. The former Warrenpoint Town man was one-on-one but Johns denied the attacker from close range.