Last Time Out

COLERAINE would net three second-half goals as they ran out victors against Linfield back in February…

Date:

Friday, February 16, 2024

Result:

Coleraine 3-0 Linfield

Goals – Shevlin (’66 mins), McGonigle (’75 mins), A. Jarvis (’84 mins)

Report:

COLERAINE capped a memorable day both on and off the pitch as they defeated Linfield at The Showgrounds.

Just hours after the Bannsiders’ takeover was confirmed by London-based businessmen Ranald McGregor-Smith and Patrick Mitchell, the hosts would return to winning ways in fine style as three second-half goals did the damage against the Blues.

Oran Kearney made four changes for the contest as Dean Jarvis and Stephen O’Donnell returned to the defence, whilst Stephen Lowry and Jamie Glackin were handed starts in midfield.

After Linfield threatened early on through Darragh McBrien, Coleraine would have two sights of goal as Glackin’s free-kick was easily saved by David Walsh, before Conor McKendry’s long run resulted in the winger firing off target.

The visitors would carve out the majority of the chances in the first-half as Ethan McGee was the next player to fire over the bar for the Blues, whilst another low effort from McBrien was comfortably gathered by Rory Brown.

However, Linfield will feel they should have taken the lead on 29 minutes as Kirk Millar’s cross on the right-hand side found its way to McBrien inside the box. The summer recruit from Dungannon Swifts was completely unmarked but his chance was thwarted by an alert Brown.

Moments later, David Healy’s side would go close again as Kyle McClean’s industrious run resulted in the midfielder sending an effort just inches over the bar.

Coleraine’s best chance of the half arrived on 41 minutes as Jamie McGonigle’s cross was cleared as far as Lyndon Kane, with the full-back unable to send the ball below the bar.

With six minutes played in the second-half, Coleraine thought they had taken the lead as a well-hit strike from McKendry just outside the box cannoned against the post.

On 65 minutes, a delightful through ball by Jack Scott released the run of Matthew Shevlin through on goal. The striker was able to get his toe to the ball but Walsh diverted the ball out for a corner.

The set-piece would lead to the opening goal of the match as Glackin’s corner kick was on the money for Shevlin to head home from close range.

Ten minutes later, the Stripes would double their advantage as good football resulted in Kane – who was making his 200th appearance for the club – cross the ball for McGonigle who slid the ball home for his third goal in as many games.

The goalscoring spree would continue on 84 minutes as McKendry’s free-kick took a glance off Aaron Jarvis and into the net as the Bannsiders made it 3-0.

A good performance and result for Coleraine to boost their top-six credentials ahead of next weekend’s visit to Newry City.

Line-ups:

COLERAINE: Brown, Kane, D. Jarvis, Kelly, McKendry (A. Scott ’90 mins), Lowry, Shevlin (Lynch ’88 mins), O’Donnell, Glackin (A. Jarvis ’80 mins), J. Scott, McGonigle.

Subs Not Used: Gallagher (GK), McDaid, Farren, Cole.

LINFIELD: Walsh, Finlayson, East, Shields, Millar, McClean, McBrien (Doherty ’71 mins), Clarke (Fitzpatrick ’71 mins), McKee (Graham ’88 mins), Mulgrew (Annett ’71 mins), McGee.

Referee:

Jamie Robinson

Highlights:

HERE