2019-20 Season Review: July

THE coronavirus pandemic would result in the curtailment of the Danske Bank Premiership campaign as the Bannsiders’ quest for a third Irish Cup final in four years fell short on penalty kicks…

After the season was postponed in March, the players, management and staff had to abide by lockdown rules as NIFL and IFA searched for a resolution to end the season. In June, the Coleraine faithful had reasons to celebrate as Ian Parkhill, Eoin Bradley, Aaron Canning and Stephen Lowry all signed contract extensions to remain at The Showgrounds.

Stephen Lowry put pen-to-paper on a new contract.

On June 26, the NI Football League board ruled that the league would be ended and decided via a mathematical formula produced by an independent stats company – 21st Club. The final standings mirror how the table looked following the most recent round of fixtures back in March, meaning Coleraine finished in second place, four points behind champions Linfield. However, despite being disappointed at not challenging the Blues for the Gibson Cup for the final seven fixtures, Oran Kearney’s men secured a return to European competition.

The Irish Football Association also confirmed that Irish Cup competition would be played to a finish as Coleraine faced Ballymena United at Windsor Park on July 27. The Stripes would have to embrace the ‘new norm’ as there were stringent health and safety protocols in place for training ahead of the final four clash. There would be two confirmed departures from the club as Matthew Fitzpatrick was released, with Nedas Maciulaitis joining Loughgall.

On the pitch, Coleraine looked certain for a third Irish Cup final appearance in four years as they led with just three minutes of injury time to go through Eoin Bradley’s free-kick, but they would be dealt with a sucker punch as Kenny Kane pounced from close range to force the game into extra-time and then penalties. Unsuccessful spot kicks from Stephen Lowry, Eoin Bradley and Ben Doherty allowed the Sky Blues to progress into the final as Coleraine’s season came to a close in heart-breaking fashion.