Last Time Out

COLERAINE and Carrick Rangers would play out a goalless draw at the Loughview Leisure Arena back in November…

Date:

Saturday, November 6, 2021

Result:

Carrick Rangers 0-0 Coleraine

Report: 

COLERAINE would be forced to leave the Loughview Leisure Arena with a share of the spoils after a 0-0 draw against Carrick Rangers.

The Bannsiders would name an unchanged line-up from last weekend’s win over Portadown and it would be the visitors who would have the first opportunity of the game. A well driven free-kick from Stephen Lowry was parried by Aaron Hogg, with Josh Carson unable to steer the rebound on target.

In a game played in tricky conditions, the hosts almost grabbed the lead on 11 minutes as an under hit header by Aaron Traynor allowed Ewan Kelly to pounce on goal but he was thwarted by the alert Gareth Deane. Moments later, the shot stopper would once again prove his worth to save from Kurtis Forsythe’s goal bound effort.

A further defensive lapse would allow Stuart King’s men to get another chance on 25 minutes through Lloyd Anderson but the midfielder could only fire straight at Deane. At the other end, a fantastic cross by Carson found Cathair Friel but he could only steer over the bar, with the offside flag saving his blushes.

The Stripes would have the first sight of goal after the break as a clever pass released the run of Friel but the ex-Carrick ace could only fire straight into the body of Hogg.

After Eoin Bradley was introduced from the bench, the Amber Army were once again left frustrated with a missed opportunity as a sweeping move released Ben Tilney inside the box but the wide man failed to find a way past Deane.

On 75 minutes, Coleraine thought they had found the elusive breakthrough as a great cross into the box by Jamie Glackin met the head of Bradley. The striker was able to guide the ball into the bottom corner, and just when he was ready to celebrate, his joy was cut short as the linesman’s flag was raised. A minute later, Carrick would spurn yet another guilt edged opportunity as Jordan Gibson arrowed wide from a good position inside the box.

Coleraine would end the fixture on the front foot as Bradley snatched an effort wide from a tight angle, before the same player would turn inside the box but unable to prod the ball home as both teams cancelled each other out.

Line-ups:

CARRICK RANGERS: Hogg, Forsythe, Ervin, McGuckin (Kalla ’90 mins), G. Kelly, E. Kelly (Nixon ’64 mins) {Cushley ’80 mins} Mulholland, Cherry, Gibson, Tilney, Anderson.

Subs Not Used: Shields (GK), Cushley, Kalla, Doyle, McGimpsey, Nixon, Hoy.

COLERAINE: Deane, Kane, Brown, McKendry, Lowry, Carson, O’Donnell, Glackin, Traynor, Shevlin, Friel (Bradley ’65 mins).

Subs Not Used: Henderson (GK), Mullan, Jarvis, Wilson, Parkhill, Kelly.

Referee:

Lee Tavinder