Down Memory Lane

JAMIE McGonigle’s late winner was enough for Coleraine to secure all three points against Linfield at a packed Showgrounds…

In a quiet opening to the match, it was the home side who had the first effort on goal as Brad Lyons’ looping volley failed to trouble Linfield ‘keeper Roy Carroll. At the other end, Aaron Burns sent in a wicked cross that forced Chris Johns into making a smart save.

On 20 minutes, McGonigle showed great trickery at the edge of the box, but the striker’s effort was deflected into Carroll’s gloves. From a corner, the Stripes went on the counter attack and McGonigle’s surging run and shot was the closest either side came to scoring in the opening 45 minutes.

However, on the stroke of half-time, Stephen O’Donnell was adjudged to have brought down Andy Waterworth at the edge of the area. The big defender was the last man back, but referee Arnold Hunter – who didn’t initially whistle for a free-kick – produced a yellow card much to the frustration of the travelling support.

The deadlock was broken on 55 minutes when Ciaron Harkin’s excellent delivery was powered home by the head of Brad Lyons for the midfielder’s first goal of the season. However, the lead didn’t last long as defender Mark Haughey powered home a front post header from Kirk Millar’s corner-kick on 64 minutes.

There was to be a lengthy delay as Lyons went down after a collision inside the Linfield penalty area. Unfortunately, the midfielder had to be stretchered off as Coleraine went in search of a winner.

There was to be a late drama as Darren McCauley picked out Joe McCready. The striker had the vision to pick out McGonigle who slotted home under the body of Carroll to secure all three points. Linfield boss David Healy was dismissed as he thought Josh Robinson cleared the ball off the line as the Bannsiders held out for the win.