Highlights

Match Highlights vs Linfield

COLERAINE TV highlights from the Bannsiders’ draw against Linfield can now be viewed on the club’s YouTube account…

The Stripes wouldn’t take the battle for the Gibson Cup down to the final day as they were held to a 1-1 draw at The Showgrounds.

The visitors would make a bright start as Joel Cooper threatened on two occasions but they did manage to make the breakthrough on 14 minutes as a corner kick was flicked on by Mark Stafford into the path of Mark Haughey who headed home from close range.

Coleraine would respond well from that setback as Chris Johns was alert to tip James McLaughlin’s strike over the bar, before Curtis Allen had a goal disallowed for handball. Just past the half hour mark, the hosts spurned a glorious chance as neat build-up play released Allen but the striker volleyed over the bar.

However, Coleraine got a deserved equaliser on 36 minutes as Aaron Jarvis spread the ball out to Lyndon Kane and the full-back’s cross was headed into the net by Allen. Moments later, Johns once again thwarted his old club as he saved from Doherty’s driven effort.

Both sides had a chance to take the lead before the interval as Allen steered a header off target from Jamie Glackin’s cross, before Cameron Palmer’s shot was parried by Martin Gallagher at the other end, with Shayne Lavery and Cooper both being denied from close range.

The second-half was a more cagey affair as Linfield knew all they needed was a point to retain their crown but they went close to banking the third goal of the game as Jimmy Callacher headed inches wide from a corner. On 71 minutes, Coleraine went close as Doherty’s volley deflected inches over the crossbar.

In a late finale, Coleraine would have one final chance as Josh Carson’s strike was parried by Johns, and despite the ball landing in a dangerous area, Linfield were able to clear their lines.