20’s pay the penalty

COLERAINE Under 18’s would net five goals without reply as our Under 20’s are edged out by Portstewart on spot kicks…

NIFL Academy U18

Ards 0-5 Coleraine

Coleraine made the trip to Belfast to take on Ards in the U18’s Academy League.

The young Bannsiders started the game strong and created a number of chances early on and deservedly took the lead in the 15th minute when a free kick delivered from McBride was turned home by Keogh. Five minutes later, it was 2-0 when McAlesse turned well in the box and crossed for the incoming Moffat to tap home at the back post.

Coleraine were firmly in control, playing a good brand of football and added to their lead from the penalty spot as Cullen, who was brought down, stepped up and slotted home. It was all one way traffic in the first half and Coleraine were threatening the Ards goal with every attack. A quick fire McAleese double before the break left Coleraine five up at the interval.

The second half was a much more even affair, credit to Ards who restricted Coleraine having many chances and stopped the onslaught of the first half. Shiels in the Coleraine goal was rarely troubled in the second-half, while at the other end Patton was unlucky with a delightful chipped effort that came back of the crossbar

SQUAD: Shiels, Stewart, McBride, Callaghan, A.Campbell, Kelly, Keogh, Patton, Cullen, Moffat, McAlesse, G.Campbell, Devine, Greer, Smyth

Craig Memorial Cup

Portstewart 1-1 Coleraine U20 (Portstewart win on penalties)

Coleraine Under 20’s put in a solid performance in this cup tie against experienced opposition.

Kirk McLaughlin gave the young Coleraine side the lead just before the break.

Portstewart pushed hard in the second half for the equaliser and put the Coleraine back line under pressure and they got level with seven minutes remaining through Mark Edgae to force the game to be settled from the penalty spot.

Portstewart won the game on penalties to advance to the next round.

SQUAD: Shiels, Riley, Curran, McNeil, Tosh, Houston, Stinston, C.Kirk, Quigley, A.Kirk, McLaughlin, Colhoun, Mackay, Watton, McFeely, McGill.