MARCH proved to be a profitable month for the Bannsiders as they sealed a top-six spot…
The Stripes started the month by clinching back-to-back victories in the Premiership as a goal in each half saw off Portadown on the Ballycastle Road. The Bannsiders hit the front with 11 minutes on the clock when Ronan Doherty curled in his first goal in Coleraine colours. After Connor Murray and Matthew Shevlin had shots saved in the first-half, Coleraine doubled their advantage on 58 minutes as Jamie Glackin was played through on goal and he gleefully lobbed the ball over an advancing Aaron McCarey. Coleraine were rarely troubled throughout the 90 minutes as they preserved a clean sheet.
Coleraine players celebrate Ronan Doherty’s opener against Portadown.
Next up was an away assignment at Glenavon as the Bannsiders earned their first league victory at the County Armagh venue since 2019. Glenavon had the first best chance of the contest when Charles Dunne had to be alert to clear off his own line after a dangerous delivery by Peter Campbell. On a difficult playing surface, the Bannsiders had the final two opportunities of the opening 45 minutes as Levi Ives and Jamie Glackin were both denied by Tadhg Ryan. Both teams struggled to create any clear-cut openings in the second-half but Coleraine did strike the killer blow in fine style with less than 10 minutes remaining. A stunning free-kick by Declan McManus from 25 yards sailed beyond Ryan and into the net.
What a beauty! Declan McManus wheels off in delight after netting a superb free-kick away at Glenavon.
There would then be an end of an era off the pitch as it was confirmed that Colin McKendry’s 14-year stint as Chairman would come to an end. Majority owner Henry Ross was announced that he would be stepping up as Executive Chairman at The Showgrounds.
As the race for the top-six continued, Coleraine would leave Inver Park with a share of the spoils after a 1-1 draw in east Antrim. Coleraine made a bright start and should have taken the lead inside the opening minute as Jamie Glackin smashed the crossbar from Kyle Spence’s cross. Just after Paul O’Neill headed wide from an inviting position for the hosts, the Bannsiders had the best two opportunities before the break as Connor Murray and Glackin both had sights at goal. The breakthrough arrived on 75 minutes when a long ball forward sent Matthew Shevlin through on goal and he had the composure to round Rohan Ferguson and tap the ball into an empty net. However, Larne ensured they would have a point to show for their efforts when a quick free-kick routine saw Andy Ryan bundle the ball in at the back post.
Coleraine drew their next game at home to Cliftonville as they were punished for not seeing the game out on the Ballycastle Road. All the best action was saved for after the break as Cliftonville took the lead on 66 minutes when Ryan Curran’s deflected effort sailed into the net. However, Coleraine responded and equalised on 72 minutes as Matthew Shevlin netted from the spot after he was brought down inside the box. The Bannsiders then went ahead soon after as Shevlin lashed the ball home after Levi Ives’ powerful attempt was parried by Lewis Ridd. Coleraine failed to hold onto that advantage as Cliftonville were awarded a spot kick of their own with just three minutes remaining, allowing Curran to grab his brace.
Coleraine and Cliftonville played out a 2-2 draw at The Showgrounds.
That result meant Coleraine knew avoiding defeat to Portadown in the final pre-split game would be enough to secure a top-six berth – and they did exactly that. The first-half was goalless at the Ballycastle Road but both teams did have their opportunities as Connor Murray and Matthew Shevlin misfired at one end, whilst at the other, Josh Ukek had two attempts saved by Coleraine ‘keeper Rory Brown. The hosts made a bright start to the second-half as Shevlin and Jack Scott were denied, before the aforementioned Shevlin fired over the crossbar after being picked out by Corey Smith. However, the deadlock was broken on 69 minutes when Levi Ives and Scott combined to pick out Dylan Boyle who rattled in a low effort into the bottom corner. In truth, Coleraine were rarely threatened thereafter and had chances to add to their tally as Scott and Declan McManus tested the gloves of Jordan Williamson.
Player of the Month: Charles Dunne
Goal of the Month: Declan McManus vs Glenavon