History Maker

A piece of history was made during Tuesday night’s North-West Senior Cup tie against Moyola Park…

The Bannsiders named a squad that was a mixture of experience and youth as Robert McLean, Lewis Nevin, Caolan Brennan, Ruairi Boorman and Josh Tennant all featured, with Dean Miller, Caleb Wan and Pierce Quigley unused substitutes.

However, full-back Jay Riley also started the fixture meaning he is now the youngest player to ever represent the club in senior competition. Jay was born on December 22, 2004 meaning he was 14 years, 8 months and 18 days old on Tuesday night. The previous record was Luke McKendry who was 14 years, 10 months and 19 days old when he played against Moyola Park in September 2016.

In an interview with Belfast Live, boss Oran Kearney hopes Riley’s debut will inspire other young players at the club.

“It is great to see players like Jay coming through. We are happy to give our young players a chance,” he added.

“Hopefully it shows them that we will give them a chance. It should give them the belief that one day they will play for Coleraine’s first-team.

“We have tried to streamline the first team, and that then gives us the opportunity to introduce a few of the younger lads when we need them. And when they are ready.”