COLERAINE produced a five-star performance to defeat Limavady United in their pre-season fixture…
The Bannsiders would have two early sights of goal through James McLaughlin as the striker headed over from Jamie Glackin’s corner kick, before he poked wide after getting one-on-one with the ‘keeper.
Just after Martin Gallagher made a smart stop to prevent Caleb Wan, the Stripes would make the breakthrough in fine style as Glackin’s strike from the edge of the box went into the top corner on 22 minutes.
Oran Kearney’s side would threaten again just after the half hour mark as Trialist 2 dragged an effort wide of the far post but the same player would play a pivotal role in the Bannsiders’ second as his cross wasn’t cleared, allowing Ronan Wilson to simply guide the ball into the bottom corner on 35 minutes.
Just before the half-time whistle, the woodwork would deny Coleraine from adding a third as Trialist 3 was set-up by Wilson but his effort clipped the top of the crossbar.
The second-half would prove to be a more quieter affair as both teams made a raft of substitutions as Billy McDowell, Caiolan Brennan and Matthew Shevlin were brought on at the expense of Martin Gallagher, Jamie Glackin and Trialist 3 respectively.
Just when McLaughlin might not think it was going to be his day, the marksman would ensure he got a goal as he guided the ball into the back of the net on 77 minutes.
The final quarter of the game would yield two more goals as Shevlin was fouled inside the box and the same player would calmly send the ‘keeper the wrong way, before Cathair Friel added a late fifth as he finished accurately after a good cross by Trialist 1.
A good work for Coleraine as preparations continue for the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
COLERAINE: Gallagher (McDowell ’61 mins), Mullan, Brown, A. Jarvis, McLaughlin (Friel ’77 mins), Carson, Wilson, Glackin (Brennan ’61 mins), Trialist 1, Trialist 2, Trialist 3 (Shevlin ’46 mins).