COLERAINE got more minutes in the tank as they were beaten by Huddersfield Town XI at The Showgrounds…
The Bannsiders handed a start to Evan McLaughlin fresh after signing for the club on loan from Derry City, as well as welcoming back Lyndon Kane from injury.
Coleraine would create the first meaningful effort of the game as a strike from Lee Lynch inside the box was saved by visiting ‘keeper Giosue Bellagambi.
The ‘keeper would be the Huddersfield hero on ten minutes as the hosts were awarded a penalty after Matthew Shevlin was fouled inside the area. The striker would send a powerful spot kick towards goal but Bellagambi guessed right to tip the ball around the post.
On 18 minutes, Lynch would drill an effort across goal which evaded a vital touch, whilst at the other end, Conor Falls fired wide as Town created their first chance of the contest.
After both teams sent half chances towards goal, the visitors made the breakthrough on 37 minutes. A mix-up at the back allowed Neo Eccleston to seize possession and cross for Falls who had a simple tap-in.
Coleraine went in search of an instant equaliser before the half-time whistle and they would be thwarted by the crossbar as Jamie Glackin’s effort cannoned off the woodwork.
The second-half only really got going after the hour mark as the Stripes missed a glorious chance to draw level. A snapshot by Evan McLaughlin could only be parried by Bellagambi, with Shevlin unable to convert the rebound.
A well driven free-kick denied James McLaughlin but the same player would have a big say as Coleraine equalised. A strong run by Caiolan Brennan found Andy Mitchell on the left-hand side and the striker’s cross was inch perfect as McLaughlin stabbed the ball home.
Despite the delight of getting back into the contest, Coleraine would find themselves behind yet again on 84 minutes. A clever flick by Sonny Whittingham was picked up by Myles Bright and he expertly found the bottom corner.
A late half chance by Aaron Jarvis would come and go for Coleraine who will be boosted by the return of several key players from injury.
COLERAINE: Gallagher, Kane (O’Donnell ’46 mins), Mullan (O’Mahony ’52 mins), A. Jarvis, McKendry (D. Brown ’65 mins), Carson, Lynch (Brennan ’78 mins), Glackin (Mitchell ’65 mins), E. McLaughlin, Shevlin (J. McLaughlin ’65 mins), Trialist 1.
Sub Not Used: Friel