2019-20 Season Review: January

COLERAINE would kick start 2020 with a win against Carrick Rangers and make strides in the Irish Cup but suffer their first home defeat of the season against Crusaders…

The Bannsiders would start the new decade with all three points after goals from Aaron Traynor and Alexander Gawne sealed a 2-0 success against Carrick Rangers. The deadlock was broken on 11 minutes as a long throw-in by Aaron Canning was flicked on by Emmett McGuckin into the path of Aaron Traynor. The full back – who scored at the same venue back in September – would repeat that feat as he slotted past Liam McAuley. Coleraine would wrap up the points on 84 minutes as a long ball forward was controlled by Ian Parkhill who darted inside the area, and after his effort was parried by McAuley, the lively Alexander Gawne would pounce to seal the win.

Oran Kearney’s men would be given a difficult assignment in the Fifth Round of the Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup as they were drawn away to Glenavon. However, the Bannsiders would secure their passage through to the Sixth Round of the competition as a first-half goal from Jamie Glackin had the visitors well on their way, before Eoin Bradley netted with little over ten minutes to go.

In a busy period for the Stripes, they welcomed Crusaders to The Showgrounds for a live BBC broadcast. After a lacklustre start to proceedings, the visitors would take the lead on 18 minutes as a superb cross from Jordan Forsythe found Jordan Owens unmarked inside the box and he made no mistake from close range. Coleraine made a bright start to the second-half and threatened as Josh Carson was unable to steer Aaron Traynor’s cross into the net, before the same player would have an effort blocked, before James McLaughlin had a header cleared off the line by Jarlath O’Rourke as Coleraine lost at home for the first time in 2019-20.

Coleraine looked for a response and a sense of revenge in their next fixture as they made the trip to Milltown to face Warrenpoint Town. The day would belong to Jamie Glackin as he claimed the match ball, with Matthew Fitzpatrick also netting his first goal for the club.

The Stripes would be on TV once again as the Sky Sports cameras rolled in for a home fixture against Cliftonville. The hosts would move up into third spot in the Danske Bank Premiership table after Alexander Gawne arrived from the bench to bag the winner on 72 minutes. As the game looked destined to end in a draw, the deadlock was broken on 72 minutes as Parkhill sprayed the ball out wide to Gawne and his cross/shot looped over Richard Brush and into the net.

There would be deadline day drama at The Showgrounds as Stewart Nixon arrived on a three-and-a-half year deal from Carrick Rangers in a move that saw Alexander Gawne go in the other direction. Not only that, there would be a Showgrounds return for Curtis Allen who joined on an initial loan deal until the end of the campaign.

colerainefc.com Goal of the Month winner: Alexander Gawne vs Cliftonville
Garvagh, Kilrea and District Coleraine Supporters’ Club Player of the Month: Aaron Canning