Last Time Out

MATTHEW Shevlin would score in each half as the Bannsiders registered a 2-0 win against Portadown back in August…

Date:

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Result:

Portadown 0-2 Coleraine

Goals – Shevlin (’20 mins & ’47 mins)

Report:

COLERAINE made it two wins from as many games as a goal in each half by Matthew Shevlin did the damage at Shamrock Park.

After defeating Cliftonville on the opening day of the season, boss Oran Kearney named an unchanging line-up and it would be Evan McLaughlin who would have the first of goal but the winger dragged an effort wide of the near post.

The Stripes would threaten three minutes later through another summer arrival as Jamie Glackin held the ball up well to release the run of Lee Lynch but the midfielder would see his strike comfortably gathered by Jethren Barr.

However, Coleraine would be rewarded for their fine start as they made a deserved breakthrough on 20 minutes. A ball over the top by Conor McDermott found Shevlin and the striker had the composure and vision to take a neat first touch before lobbing Barr.

Just after Jason Akiotu’s cross for the Ports would hit the post, the Stripes would go close on two further occasions as Evan McLaughlin dragged an effort wide before another ball over the top would see Shevlin fail to find the target from 12 yards.

On 36 minutes, Paul Doolin’s side would be denied by the woodwork yet again as the ball was worked into the path of Jordan Jenkins and the on-loan striker would send a shot towards goal that was tipped onto the post by an alert Martin Gallagher.

The final chance of the opening 45 minutes would see Portadown go close again as a corner kick wasn’t cleared by the Coleraine defence, with Paddy McNally sending the loose ball over the crossbar.

The second-half would only be two minutes old when Coleraine doubled their advantage. A good passage of link-up play involving Glackin and Evan McLaughlin released McDermott on the right-hand side and his cross was headed into the back of the net by Shevlin for his second of the afternoon.

Shevlin had his sight on the match ball as he headed just inches wide from a deep corner kick, with Lynch also going close as his drive from distance tested the gloves of Barr. The introduction of Conor McKendry would almost prove dividends straight away as he linked-up with McDermott but his square ball into the box just missed a vital touch by Shevlin.

A match ball would just be out of reach for Shevlin as he had a goal bound effort blocked by McNally with Kearney able to give game time to Michael McCrudden and James McLaughlin.

A job well done for Coleraine who focus on back-to-back games against Carrick Rangers and Glenavon.

Line-ups:

PORTADOWN: Barr, Akiotu, Upton, Donnellan (Tantale ’74 mins), Stedman (Evans ’66 mins), Russell, Conaty (Mashigo ’74 mins), Moore (Mitchell ’66 mins), McNally, Teggart, Jenkins.

Subs Not Used: McKenna (GK), Beverland, Wilson.

COLERAINE: Gallagher, Kane, D. Jarvis, Mullan, Carson, Farren, Lynch, Glackin (McCrudden ’82 mins), E. McLaughlin (McKendry ’69 mins), McDermott, Shevlin (J. McLaughlin ’82 mins)

Subs Not Used: Deane (GK), R. Brown, A. Jarvis, O’Mahony.

Referee:

Steven Gregg

Highlights:

HERE