2019-20 Season Review: November

COLERAINE would lose for the first time in 2019/20 against Warrenpoint Town and Institute but earn maximum points against Dungannon Swifts, Glenavon and Carrick Rangers…

Coleraine would extend their stay at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership after a 2-0 win against Dungannon Swifts in County Tyrone. After a lacklustre opening to proceedings at Stangmore Park, the game sparked into life on 28 minutes as Eoin Bradley laid the ball off to Stephen Lowry who fired into the bottom corner. Moments later, Coleraine almost extended their advantage as Bradley sent a free-kick inches wide, before Aaron Jarvis’ shot was cleared off the line by Douglas Wilson. However, a second goal would arrive on 59 minutes as Lowry was on hand to rifle home from inside the box, with Jarvis going close to adding a third as his thunderous drive was tipped onto the crossbar by Sam Johnston.

Ben Doherty dispatches a penalty against Glenavon.

Coleraine’s stay at the summit would be tested as Glenavon were the visitors to The Showgrounds. However, the Bannsiders would take the lead against the run of play as James McLaughlin headed home from Ben Doherty’s corner, with Chris Johns called into action to deny Kyle Beggs at the other end, before Andy Mitchell fired over from Aaron Harmon’s cross. In a frantic end to the first-half, the visitors would be reduced to 10 men as Daniel Larmour was dismissed for a foul on McLaughlin, with the striker doubling the Stripes’ lead before the half-time whistle. The three points would be secured after the break as McLaughlin completed his hat-trick after a superb pass from Jamie Glackin, with a fourth goal coming from the spot as Ben Doherty tucked away his 13th goal of the season.

Many would have predicted table-topping Coleraine to earn maximum points from their visit to bottom of the table Warrenpoint Town. However, Or an Kearney’s men suffered their first loss of the season at Milltown as a brace from Alan O’Sullivan and a strike from Brandon Doyle sealed all three points for the ‘Point. A few days later, the Stripes announced the arrival of Matthew Fitzpatrick from Belfast Celtic who would sign for 18 months from January 1.

Coleraine suffered their first defeat of the season against Warrenpoint Town.

Coleraine would return to the summit of the Danske Bank Premiership after a hard fought 3-2 win against Carrick Rangers. After making a bright start to proceedings, the Bannsiders would fall behind as Lloyd Anderson pounced on a defensive error to coolly slot past Chris Johns. However, Coleraine would quickly respond as Aaron Canning’s superb pass found James McLaughlin who steered his effort into the bottom corner. In a frantic end to the first-half, the visitors would once again take the lead as Johns initially saved from Sachem but the American-born striker was on hand to fire home unmarked. Coleraine needed a big second-half performance to leave with all three points and they were awarded a lifeline on 58 minutes as Jamie Glackin went to ground inside the box. The responsibility was given to Ben Doherty who calmly slotted past Hogg. The Bannsiders ensured there would be a grandstand finish as substitute Alexander Gawne seized upon a loose ball to cleverly chip the ball over Hogg and into the net.

Coleraine would suffer their second defeat of the season at The Brandywell as first-half goals from Shaun Leppard and Gareth Brown earned all three points for Institute. After making a bright start to proceedings, the Bannsiders would fall behind when Evan Tweed’s free-kick was met by Leppard who powered home from close range. Just before the half hour mark that lead was doubled as Brown’s strike from distance caught out Chris Johns and went into the net. Coleraine needed a big response but it would the home side who nearly grabbed a third before the half-time whistle as Brown’s turn and shot sailed inches past the far post, with Joe McCready also testing Johns from inside the box. The visitors would create two chances after the break to get a foothold into the game but Ian Parkhill’s shot cannoned the crossbar, before Ben Doherty rounded the ‘keeper but failed to find the target.

A frustrating day at The Brandywell for Coleraine who lost 2-0 against Institute.

colerainefc.com Goal of the Month winner: Alexander Gawne vs Carrick Rangers
Garvagh, Kilrea and District Coleraine Supporters’ Club Player of the Month: Jamie Glackin