Match Highlights vs Ballymena United

HIGHLIGHTS from the Bannsiders’ defeat against Ballymena United are now available to watch on the club’s official YouTube channel…

A first-half header from Kofi Balmer would prove to be the difference at The Showgrounds as Oran Kearney’s men tasted defeat on the opening day of the season.

The Bannsiders would carve out the first chance of the game as Ben Doherty failed to keep a free-kick on target, before Shay McCartan tested the gloves of Gareth Deane at the other end. However, the deadlock was broken on 27 minutes as Kofi Balmer headed into the back of the net unmarked from Steven McCullough’s corner.

There would be drama before the half-time whistle as Joshua Kelly was sent off for a lunging tackle on Stewart Nixon. With a man advantage, Coleraine looked for an equaliser and threatened when James McLaughlin struck the post, with Josh Carson’s rebound being cleared off the line by Trai Hume.

The Bannsiders would have further frustrations late on as Stewart Nixon’s long throw found Stephen Lowry inside the box but the midfielder was unable to find the target.