A storm, three matches and a new majority owner were the main talking points as the Bannsiders brought an end to 2024…
Coleraine had been due to start December with the visit of Portadown to The Showgrounds. However, less than 90 minutes before-kick, the game was postponed due to adverse weather conditions caused by Storm Darragh which wreaked havoc on the province.
That meant the Stripes’ next game was against league leaders Linfield at Windsor Park. Coleraine travelled to the capital with somewhat of an injury crisis and found themselves 1-0 down on the half hour when Matthew Fitzpatrick drilled into the net from an acute angle. Just when the Bannsiders had several sights of an equaliser, Linfield put the game to bed on 72 minutes as Joel Cooper was afforded too much space inside the box to roll the ball into the bottom corner. Soon after, it was 3-0 when substitute Cammy Ballantyne laid the ball on a plate for Fitzpatrick to dispatch his second of the afternoon.
The Stripes endured a difficult afternoon at Windsor Park.
Off the pitch, Coleraine fans had an early Christmas present with the announcement that Henry Ross would now become majority owner of the club following a significant investment. In a club statement, it was stated that Mr Ross wants to “elevate Coleraine FC to unprecedented heights” following the takeover.
Henry Ross was named as majority owner of the club.
After supporters opened their presents and enjoyed some turkey on Christmas Day, the Boxing Day derby would be held at the Coleraine Showgrounds. In a recurring theme, Coleraine were punished for missing a litany of chances and remarkably found themselves two goals down at the interval as Ethan Devine hit a clinical double. However, spurned on by a massive home support, the Bannsiders began to make in-roads when Cameron Stewart headed in from Jamie Glackin’s corner kick. With 20 minutes remaining, the Stripes converted a penalty through Matthew Shevlin after Stephen O’Donnell was adjudged to have handled in the build-up. Somehow Coleraine couldn’t find a winner thereafter – despite numerous opportunities – as the contest finished 2-2.
Cameron Stewart (right) celebrates after netting a header in the Boxing Day derby.
2024 would end on the road as Coleraine made the long journey to Loughgall. Despite a bright start, the Bannsiders gave themselves a mountain to climb when Conor McCloskey netted a curling free-kick with half an hour on the clock. It didn’t take long for Coleraine to draw even as they equalised seven minutes after the restart. A shot by Dylan Boyle inadvertently found the path of Matthew Shevlin and he made no mistake from close range. After Shevlin then missed a spot-kick, Coleraine hit the front on 66 minutes as Ciaron Harkin’s near-post cross was poked home by Jamie Glackin. The three points were secured on 87 minutes as substitute Rhyss Campbell let fly with a rocket just inside the box that found the back of the net to ensure a 3-1 success.
Player of the Month: Jamie Glackin
Goal of the Month: Rhyss Campbell vs Loughgall