COLERAINE started their pre-season preparations in fine style as they recorded a 9-2 win against Maiden City…
The Bannsiders started with three trialists as Dean Jarvis and Lee Lynch were also included from the get-go following their summer arrival from Larne.
After Josh Carson hit wide on two occasions, the visitors would take the lead via an own goal as Adam Mullan’s back pass went beyond the reach of Martin Gallagher and into the back of the net.
However, Coleraine would equalise on 18 minutes as a cross into the box by Dean Jarvis was directed into the net by Matthew Shevlin, but the L/Derry based side would strike again as a strike from the edge of the box left Gallagher with no chance.
The Stripes would see chances come and go as Trialist 2, Trialist 3 and Jamie Glackin all went close but that pressure would pay off as a quick counter attack resulted in Trailist 2 laying the ball on a plate for Shevlin to fire home.
A stunning end to the first-half would see Oran Kearney’s men net four times before the interval as Shevlin rifled home after neat play from Trialist 3, before the same player would grab a fourth with a composed finish.
Trialist 3 would ensure that he would also get in on the act as he prodded home from close range after good work by Trialist 1 and then before the whistle, Trialist 3 found the back of the net yet again from Shevlin’s cut back.
Maiden City would have a sight of goal on 47 minutes but an effort failed to test the gloves of Martin Gallagher, whilst at the other end, Trialist 4 would poke wide and Cathair Friel failed to hit find the target from 12 yards.
However, a seventh goal for the hosts would arrive on 55 minutes as two half-time substitutes combined. An alert James McLaughlin robbed the Maiden City ‘keeper and laid the ball into the path of Ronan Wilson who hit a delightful chip into the back of the net.
McLaughlin was proving to be a threat and he duly converted with his next opportunity on 68 minutes as he headed in from Adam Mullan’s cross, before The Showgrounds faithful applauded the Maiden City goalkeeper for a stunning double save that denied Rodney Brown a certain goal.
On 84 minutes, there would be a final goal to celebrate as McLaughlin slipped the ball onto the onrushing Trialist 4 and he would do the rest as he rounded the ‘keeper before tapping the ball into an empty net.
COLERAINE: Gallagher, D. Jarvis (Brennan ’46 mins), Mullan, A. Jarvis, Carson, Lynch (Brown ’46 mins), Glackin (Wilson ’46 mins), Shevlin (McLaughlin ’46 mins), Trialist 1, Trialist 2 (Friel ’46 mins), Trialist 3 (Trialist 4 ’46 mins).