Last Time Out

YOU only have to go back three days for the last time Coleraine played Glentoran as both sides served up a four-goal thriller at The Oval…

Date:

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Result:

Glentoran 2-2 Coleraine

Goals – J. Donnelly (‘6 mins), Carson own goal (’77 mins); Shevlin (’28 mins & ’70 mins)

Report:

IT was honours even after a frantic and entertaining tussle at The Oval as both sides had to settle for a share of the points…

The Bannsiders recovered from the disappointment of falling behind early to take the lead courtesy of a Matthew Shevlin double.

Only a freak own goal by Josh Carson denied the visitors three points.

It was a well earned point from a Coleraine side whose work rate was exceptional.

Glentoran made a bright start, signalling their intent after three minutes, when Gael Bigirimana’s cross to the back post just eluded the unmarked Patrick McClean.

And it took them just six minutes to open the scoring…and a fine goal it was.

Luke McCullough’s free kick was nodded on by Robbie McDaid to Jay Donnelly who controlled the ball and lashed it past Marty Gallagher.

Jamie Glackin went close to levelling matters sixty seconds later. He chased down Rory Brown’s clearance but was unable to get enough purchase on his shot and the ‘keeper got back to make the save.

Rhys Marshall advanced down the right flank and forced a good near post stop from Gallagher.

The Glens dominated the opening 20 minutes and only the crossbar prevented McCullough from adding a second from Hrvoje Plum’s corner.

Gradually Coleraine got a foothold in the contest and they drew level on 29 minutes.

Glackin was the provider with a well delivered free kick and Matthew Shevlin beat the advancing Brown to head home.

Only a crucial block by McClean denied Shevlin a second five minutes before the break as he collected an Aaron Traynor pass and got his shot away.

And the Bannsiders finished the half strongly, with Stephen Lowry failing to get the right contact on another inviting Glackin cross.

It was Coleraine’s turn to come out all guns blazing after the restart and Glackin blasted over from Ronan Wilson’s pass.

A timely challenge from Lyndon Kane was enough to put off Seanan Clucas after 57 minutes and his effort went wide.

The Bannsiders took the lead on 76 minutes when Shevlin outmuscled Rhys Marshall before drilling his shot into the bottom corner.

Glentoran got back on level terms after 76 minutes with one of the most bizarre own goals you are likely to see.

Carson raced in to challenge Plum and he thumped the ball over the head of Gallagher from 30 yards!

Both teams will be reacquainted at the Showgrounds again on Friday.

Line-ups:

GLENTORAN: Brown, Kane, McCullough, Bigrimana, R. Donnelly, McDaid, McClean, Clucas, Plum, Marshall, J. Donnelly.

Subs Not Used: Morris (GK), Gallagher, McDonagh, Mitchell, Crowe, Marron.

COLERAINE: Gallagher, Kane, Canning, Jarvis, Lowry, Carson, Wilson (Doherty ’66 mins), O’Donnell, Glackin, Traynor, Shevlin (Bradley ’85 mins).

Subs Not Used: Henderson, Mullan, Tweed, Allen, Nixon

Referee:

Raymond Crangle

Highlights:

HERE