Last Time Out

Last Time Out

BEN Doherty would twice keep his composure from the spot as the Bannsiders sealed a 2-0 success against Cliftonville back in May…

Date:

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Result:

Coleraine 2-0 Cliftonville

Goals – Doherty (’13 mins & ’62 mins)

Report:

BEN Doherty’s brace of penalties were enough for Coleraine to move up to second in the Danske Bank Premiership…

A Ben Doherty double – both from the penalty spot – ensured it was job done for Coleraine today.

Meanwhile, ex Bannsider Chris Johns saved a late penalty as Glentoran were held to a draw by Linfield.

The outcome of all that is Coleraine now return to second place in the table, a point ahead of Glentoran.

The home side got off to a perfect start after early Cliftonville pressure this afternoon.

Referee Raymond Crangle awarded a controversial 11th minute penalty when he adjudged goalkeeper Aaron McCarey to have fouled Matthew Shevlin.

It appeared that it was momentum more than malice that took the ‘keeper into Shevlin, but Doherty wasn’t complaining as he cooly smashed home his 16th goal of the season.

The Reds responded well after their setback but resolute defending – with skipper Stevie O’Donnell again marshalling the defence superbly – denied them a clear sight of goal.

Shevlin did well to find Eoin Bradley after 27 minutes but the striker sliced wide.

Only the woodwork prevented Coleraine doubling their advantage in spectacular style.

James McLaughlin took one touch before unleashing a 35 yard drive which crashed off the crossbar.

Cliftonville almost caught the hosts napping after 37 minutes when Daniel Kearns whipped in a terrific cross from a short corner but no one could get on the end of the delivery.

The game took a dramatic turn on the hour mark after the visitors had dominated the opening exchanges of the second half.

Goalkeeper McCarey was sent off as he again brought down Shevlin who reacted first after Kris Lowe was short with his touch back.

Coleraine took full advantage to stretch their lead as Doherty made no mistake from the spot.

On a personal level, it wasn’t to be McLaughlin’s day.

With five minutes remaining he connected perfectly with Jamie Glackin’s free kick but, for the second time this afternoon, he was left frustrated as his header rebounded off the crossbar.

So a point separates Coleraine and the Glens ahead of Tuesday’s mouth watering battle in Belfast!

Line-ups:

COLERAINE: Gallagher, Kane, Canning, Doherty, Lowry, McLaughlin, Bradley (Glackin ’63 mins), Carson (Jarvis ’71 mins), O’Donnell, Traynor, Shevlin (Parkhill ’78 mins).

Subs Not Used: Mullan, Wilson, Tweed, Allen.

CLIFTONVILLE: McCarey, Breen (Dunne ’60 mins), O’Reilly, O’Connor, R. Curran, McCrudden, Donnelly, Hale, Lowe, Kearns (C. Curran ’68 mins), Coffey (Foster ’68 mins).

Subs Not Used: Harney, Bagnall, Casey, O’Brien.

Referee:

Raymond Crangle

Highlights:

HERE