Sports Direct Premiership: Matchday 33

10-man Coleraine shared a point apiece in a 1-1 draw against Dungannon Swifts at The Showgrounds…

By: Charlie Cooke 

Oran Kearney made three changes to his starting line-up as Darren Cole replaced the suspended Lyndon Kane, with Andy Scott and Jamie Glackin coming in for Dean Jarvis and Jack Scott who were both injured.

After a dull start to the game, Josh Carson’s long range shot sailed over the crossbar with 17 minutes on the clock. Soon after, Jamie Glackin tried an audacious effort from just inside the Swifts’ penalty area which was easily caught by Declan Dunne.

The game would spark into life just after the half-hour mark as Stephen Lowry was given his marching orders following an off-the-ball incident with James Knowles in the centre circle.

However, with the last kick of the first-half, Coleraine would make the breakthrough as a corner-kick delivery found Matthew Shevlin at the back post. After his initial attempt was saved, the striker was able to latch onto the rebound and arrow a strike into the top left corner.

Dungannon Swifts – who had lost their last two encounters heading into the game – threatened early in the second-half as Kealan Dillon sent a low effort just by the post from outside the box.

Coleraine knew a win would firmly cement their top-six status for the post-split schedule and they would have a perfect opportunity to double their lead on 67 minutes after being awarded a penalty.

Raymond Crangle had no hesitation in pointing to the spot when Jamie McGonigle galloped into the box and was brought down by Cahal McGinty. The resulting spot-kick by Josh Carson was saved by Dunne as the Coleraine ace was denied his second goal in as many games.

The Swifts began to throw caution to the wind and they got an equaliser through a once-familiar source. A superb cross by Adam Glenny met the head of ex-Bannsider Andy Mitchell who nestled the ball into the back of the net.

Coleraine would have to settle a point and hope Carrick Rangers don’t inflict a six-goal defeat on Linfield to mathematically confirm top-six status.