A four goal haul in the first-half helped Coleraine record a 5-0 win in pre-season action against Ballinamallard United…
On a warm day at The Showgrounds, Coleraine made their intent known early doors as they were awarded a penalty on three minutes. A foul on Matthew Shevlin was penalised with the same player keeping his composure from 12 yards to comfortably find the back of the net.
On 12 minutes, the hosts would be awarded a second spot kick of the contest as Shevlin was once again fouled inside the box. The resulting penalty would have the same outcome as the first as Shevlin sent the ‘keeper the wrong way.
Things would get even better for the Stripes just five minutes later as they had a third goal to celebrate. A fine team goal involving Lee Lynch, Jamie Glackin and Jack O’Mahony would allow Conor McKendry to convert from close range.
The opening blitz would continue as they quickly made it 4-0 on 21 minutes. A loose pass by the Mallards was seized upon by Aaron Jarvis and instead of electing to shoot from a close position, the midfielder unselfishly passed to Shevlin who had the easy task of completing his hat-trick.
The Bannsiders would enjoy a large spell of possession against their Championship counterparts but they failed to add to their tally inside the opening 45 minutes.
Coleraine boss Oran Kearney brought on Josh Carson at half-time and the Antrim man went close to making it 5-0 on 48 minutes as his delightful half volley hit the crossbar with the ‘keeper well beaten. However, the same player wouldn’t have to wait long to get in on the act as his 25-yard free-kick sailed into the top corner.
Fresh legs would be introduced in the form of Dean Brown, James McLaughlin and Caiolan Brennan as Coleraine threatened again as Carson’s drive from the edge of the box went wide of the far post. At the other end, the Mallards thought they had grabbed a consolation strike as a goal mouth scramble almost saw Mark Stafford converting.
After Cathair Friel was introduced from the bench, Coleraine went inches away from grabbing a sixth as a through ball released the run of Brennan but his curling effort went narrowly wide.
A good win for Coleraine who enter a busy week of pre-season friendlies.
COLERAINE: Gallagher, D. Jarvis (Brennan ’68 mins), Mullan, R. Brown (Carson ’46 mins), A. Jarvis, McKendry, Lynch (D. Brown ’62 mins), Glackin, O’Mahony (Friel ’76 mins), Shevlin (McLaughlin ’62 mins), Trialist 1.
Subs Not Used: McDowell (GK).
Referee: Shane McGonigle.