COLERAINE Women were narrowly edged out in a thrilling contest against Maiden City in a match packed with drama, grit, and moments of real quality on Wednesday night…
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute after a well-worked move. A long throw from Niya McIntyre was expertly flicked on by Chelsea Moore to Shannon Friel, who calmly slipped it through to Sammy Miskimmin. Her driven effort nestled into the bottom left corner to give Coleraine a deserved 1-0 lead.
Just minutes later, in the 36th, Maiden City responded with a spell of pressure, but Shairee McVey showed excellent defensive instincts to force a rushed shot over the bar, keeping the hosts in front.
Unfortunately, a lapse in concentration in the 39th minute saw City capitalise with a swift and clinical equaliser, leveling the score at 1-1. The drama continued right before the break, as a penalty was awarded to City in the 44th minute after a challenge from McVey. The spot kick was converted, and Coleraine went into half-time trailing 2-1.
After regrouping, the Bannsiders came out fighting in the second half, showing renewed energy and determination. Hayley Mathieson was called into action just three minutes in, producing a fingertip save to push a powerful effort onto the bar, before she collected calmly under pressure.
City extended their lead in the 50th minute after a quick break left Mathieson one-on-one, and the City attacker made no mistake, making it 3-1.
Coleraine didn’t drop their heads. In the 57th minute, McVey stepped up for a free kick and delivered a beauty that floated over the keeper, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 and injecting hope into the side.
In the 69th minute, Alex Bachman-Williams was brought down just outside the box. Her resulting free kick took a deflection that earned a Coleraine corner, but City were able to clear the danger.
With fresh legs introduced in the 77th minute – Kyla McGivern and Emily Duncan bringing pace and energy – Coleraine pushed hard for an equaliser, creating several promising chances. However, the Maiden City defence held firm, and the game ended 3-2.