Highlights

Match Highlights vs Linfield

COLERAINE TV highlights from the Bannsiders’ loss to Linfield can now be viewed on the club’s YouTube channel…

The Stripes would be condemned to a defeat as Jordan Stewart’s brace made the difference as both teams ended the contest with 10 men.

The Blues made a bright start and threatened on six minutes as Navid Nasseri fired straight at Gareth Deane inside the box, before Josh Carson and Lyndon Kane failed to find the target at the other end.

The deadlock was broken on 18 minutes as Coleraine were punished for a misplaced pass in their own half and Stewart took the ball and drove into the box, showed quick feet and lashed the ball home. It should have been 2-0 soon after as a defensive clearance from Aaron Traynor was picked up by Nasseri but the ex-Glentoran man fired harmlessly wide.

Coleraine enjoyed plenty of the ball but failed to create any clear cut chances in the early stages but they had a sight of goal when Aaron Jarvis’ thunderbolt from outside the box whistled over the crossbar. David Healy’s men were looking menacing on the break and they spurned another golden opportunity as a quick counter attack released Shayne Lavery but the Northern Ireland international was unable to find the target.

The Bannsiders were gifted a great chance on 36 minutes as Linfield stopper Chris Johns hit a clearance straight into the path of Glackin, and as the midfielder sent an effort on goal, he was fouled by Niall Quinn. In an end-to-end half, Stewart would bag a decisive second on 45 minutes as he linked up with Matthew Clarke and showed neat footwork once again to stab the ball home.

On 54 minutes, Coleraine ‘keeper Gareth Deane was alert to deny Kirk Millar’s drive at the back post, with the shot stopper also saving Cameron Palmer’s effort which resulted in him getting injured. However, just after the hour mark, Linfield would be reduced to ten men as Niall Quinn picked up a second booking for a foul on Aaron Jarvis.

The visitors enjoyed a sustained period of pressure but they only made that count on 87 minutes as a fantastic cross by Glackin was headed home by Curtis Allen for his 8th goal of the campaign. The drama would continue in added time as Coleraine would also end the fixture with 10 men as Aaron Canning was sent off for tripping Christy Manzinga when through on goal.