Last Time Out

COLERAINE would suffer late heartache as David Parkhouse bagged a late winner in the annual festive fixture…

Date:

Monday, December 27, 2021

Result:

Ballymena United 2-1 Coleraine

Goals – McElroy (‘4 mins), Parkhouse (’90 mins); McLaughlin (’60 mins)

Report: 

COLERAINE would lose out on Boxing Day as David Parkhouse struck late on to give Ballymena United all three points at The Showgrounds.

Coleraine made two alterations to their starting eleven for the festive derby as Ronan Wilson and Matthew Shevlin were re-instated at the expense of Adam Mullan and Patrick Kelly.

A bumper crowd didn’t have to wait long time for the opening goal to arrive as the Sky Blues bagged the opener on four minutes. A long kick up the park by ‘keeper Sam Johnston was flicked on by Kenny Kane which allowed Paul McElroy to burst into the box and slot past Gareth Deane.

The visitors would be presented with a glorious chance to move level two minutes later as Conor McKendry done well to rob Andy McGrory in possession. The winger burst forward into the area but his curling effort failed to find the target.

Oran Kearney’s side would enjoy a lot of the ball in the opening 45 minutes with Josh Carson firing over the bar after a neat one-two with McKendry. On 27 minutes, the Bannsiders faithful would rise to their feet to remember the life and memory of supporter Andy Kennedy who sadly passed away last week.

On the half hour mark, Coleraine would threaten again as Stephen O’Donnell headed into Johnston’s arms from Stephen Lowry’s cross. Minutes later, a deep corner kick into the area was acrobatically fired over by Aaron Traynor. A short time later, Johnston would be called into action to prevent an own goal as Chris Rodgers inadvertently diverted Traynor’s cross goal wards.

The Stripes would have two further opportunities before the break as Traynor headed wide from another McKendry corner kick, with Shevlin’s turn and shot trickling well wide.

Coleraine would make a half-time substitution as Eoin Bradley was introduced at the expense of Wilson and they would carve out another chance as Glackin’s instinctive effort was parried by Johnston, with United able to clear their lines. Moments later, there would be a lengthy delay in proceedings as Deane would come for a high ball and would take a heavy landing meaning he was replaced by Martin Gallagher.

However, it would be the introduction of another substitute that would have Coleraine on level terms on 60 minutes. An exquisite ball over the top of the Ballymena defence was picked up by James McLaughlin and the striker delightfully lofted his effort over the advancing Johnston with his first touch.

After McGrory would a goal bound effort blocked by Rodney Brown, the latter would go close to giving Coleraine the lead on 70 minutes. A delightful free-kick by McKendry was met by the toe of Brown but the defender couldn’t stab his effort into the back of the net.

Coleraine would have another sight of goal on 80 minutes as the ball presented itself to Traynor inside the box but his deflected effort failed to find the back of the net. On 88 minutes, Gallagher would make a smart stop to keep out Leroy Millar’s piledriver. However, the winner would arrive in added time as Ryan Waide’s cross into the back post was fired in by David Parkhouse.

Seven minutes of added on time would be indicated but despite Coleraine pressure, they left empty handed.

Line-ups:

BALLYMENA UNITED: Johnston, Redman, Wilson, McElroy (Waide ’86 mins), McCullough, Kane, Rodgers, Barr, McGrory, Parkhouse, Millar.

Subs Not Used: McDowell (GK), Chapman, Henderson, Bramall, Graham, Smith.

COLERAINE: Deane (Gallagher ’57 mins), Kane, Brown, McKendry (Friel ’90 mins), Lowry, Carson, Wilson (Bradley ’46 mins), O’Donnell, Glackin, Traynor, Shevlin (McLaughlin ’58 mins).

Subs Not Used: Mullan, Jarvis, Kelly.

Referee:

Ian McNabb