COLERAINE delivered a determined and composed performance to earn a well-deserved 2–1 victory away to Wellington on Monday night, showcasing early dominance and defensive resilience throughout the encounter…
The visitors started brightly, combining solid defending with a creative attacking edge. Their early pressure paid off in spectacular fashion when Lucy Hollies unleashed a thunderous strike from 25 yards out, her effort sailing just over the keeper’s reach and dipping in for a sensational opening goal.
Coleraine nearly doubled their lead shortly after, with Suzanne O’Hara coming agonisingly close to opening her account for the season. Her shot was destined for the net before a heroic goal line clearance from a Wellington defender denied her.
At the other end, Coleraine’s defence stood firm. The back line dealt confidently with a series of aerial balls, and the goalkeeper remained sharp to keep the home side at bay. Coleraine went into the break with a deserved 1–0 lead.
The second-half saw more of the same from the visitors, who came out with renewed energy. Their persistence was rewarded when Alex Bachman-Williams broke through the Wellington defence, calmly slotting the ball past the onrushing keeper in a composed one-on-one finish to make it 2–0.
Wellington, looking to turn the tide, introduced several substitutes who injected much-needed energy into their side. The hosts enjoyed a brief spell of pressure and were eventually rewarded for their efforts with a goal in the 85th minute, setting up a tense finish.
Despite late pressure, Coleraine showed discipline and composure to see out the game and secure all three points. It was a performance marked by moments of brilliance, and solid teamwork — a well-earned win on the road.