Derby Delight

COLERAINE U18’s recorded a derby day victory over Ballymena United as our U20’s face Glentoran this evening…

NIFL Academy U18

Coleraine 2-1 Ballymena United

Coleraine welcomed Ballymena United to a blustery and cold Rugby Avenue for their final home game before the league spilt.

Credit must go to both sets of players for the quality on show in such testing weather conditions.

Coleraine started well and had a couple of half chances early on and took lead on 10 minutes when a well delivered corner from Mackay was powerfully headed home by Keogh.

Mid way through the half, Coleraine doubled their lead when great work from Patton on the left set up strike partner Cullen who steadied himself and finished well past the advancing keeper.

Ballymena fought back and had a few chances of their own but fortunately for the home side they couldn’t convert.

The second half wasn’t as eventful as the first but both teams showed plenty of effort and commitment as the weather worsened. Cullen had a free kick clip the bar and Smyth had a chance from a tight angle after a good run – but neither could add to the home side’s lead.

Just as the game looked to be heading to a comfortable Coleraine win, Ballymena had other ideas and with eight minutes remaining, they reduced the deficit with a fine strike from 25 yards.

Coleraine stood firm as Ballymena pushed hard for the equaliser and seen the game out for a narrow but well deserved derby day victory.

SQUAD: Henry, Stewart, McBride, Dealey, Callaghan, Keogh, Mackay, Elliot, McAleese, Cullen, Patton, Kelly, Campbell, Greer, Kyle, Smyth.