Last Time Out

COLERAINE would record maximum points from their contest against Newry City last month as Josh Carson, Matthew Shevlin and Andy Mitchell all netted for the Bannsiders…

Date:

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Result:

Coleraine 3-1 Newry City

Goals – Carson (’40 mins), Shevlin (’56 mins), Mitchell (’90 mins); Newell (’76 mins)

Report:

COLERAINE made a return to winning ways in the Sports Direct Premiership as they saw off the challenge of Newry City at The Showgrounds.

On a sun-kissed afternoon on the Ballycastle Road, manager Oran Kearney would make only one alteration to his starting line-up as David McDaid returned to partner Matthew Shevlin upfront as Aaron Jarvis was dropped to the bench.

Coleraine would create the first chance with only three minutes on the clock as Josh Carson picked out McDaid inside the penalty area but the marksman would see his effort being denied by the legs of Tom Murphy.

On 14 minutes, Gary Boyle’s side would have a big opportunity to take the lead as a long ball forward caused confusion in the Coleraine penalty area with Ciaran O’Connor unable to steer his shot on the turn into the back of the net.

After Daniel Hughes would see an attempt easily held by Marty Gallagher, the hosts would hit the front on 40 minutes. A quick free-kick by Jamie Glackin found Carson and his strike from 25 yards nestled into the bottom corner.

It was nearly a quick one-two soon after as Dean Jarvis’ chip from just outside the box went inches over Murphy’s crossbar.

Carson fancied a crack at getting his second of the afternoon but his 25-yard free-kick went the wrong side of the far post.

However, Coleraine wouldn’t have to wait long to go extend their lead as Glackin was yet again involved as his cross was perfect for Matthew Shevlin to head home his third goal of the campaign.

The Stripes knew a third goal would kill the game as a contest as Conor McKendry saw an effort deflect inches by the far post before Glackin would see a powerful attempt palmed away by Murphy after a neat one-two at the edge of the box.

Newry would ensure there would be twist in the tale as they halved the deficit on 77 minutes as substitute Lee Newell let fly from distance which saw the ball go into the bottom corner.

As the game entered the final minute, another substitute would have the final say as Shevlin slipped the ball into Andy Mitchell and after the striker saw his initial attempt saved, he was on the spot to fire home the rebound.

Job done for Coleraine who make a winning return ahead of Friday’s visit to Glentoran.

Line-ups:

COLERAINE: Gallagher, Kane, D. Jarvis, Kelly, McKendry (Lowry ‘69 mins), Shevlin, McDaid (Mitchell ‘69 mins), Carson (A. Jarvis ‘81 mins), Lynch, Glackin, Cole.

Subs Not Used: Donnelly (GK), Harkin, Scott, Devine.

NEWRY CITY: Murphy, King, N. Healy, McKeown, O’Connor (B. Healy ‘46 mins), Carroll, Hughes (Salley ‘63 mins), Lockhart, Martin, Forde, Mooney (Newell ‘63 mins).

Subs Not Used: Maguire (GK), McGivern, Poynston, Owens.

Referee:

Keith Kennedy

Highlights:

HERE