NIFL Academy League

NIFL Academy League

COLERAINE under 16’s and 18’s were both in action against Larne as the NIFL Academy League continued last weekend…

NIFL Academy U16

Coleraine 2-0 Larne

This week the U16’s welcomed Larne to The Showgrounds and an assured start to the game saw the young Bannsiders dominate the ball early on. Quick thinking from Smith saw him play directly into KC and this caused a mix up in the Larne defence which Moore capitalised on as he rounded the ‘keeper to slot home and make it 1-0 to Coleraine.

Dennison making his return to the side after serving a suspension settled well, ensuring the back line dealt with any potential threat, with Kirk and Devine linking well on the left hand side providing a constant threat. Furthermore, Armstrong and Kyle pulled the strings in midfield by constantly looking to play into the feet of KC and Smyth.

Credit to the visitors for defending well and working really hard to maintain their shape, a miscommunication at the back between Smith and Dennison allowed Larne a opportunity to equalise, however Donnelly who was quick off his line, thwarted the attacker.

After the break, Coleraine looked to move the ball quicker to disrupt the Larne back five as McIntyre and Moore linked well, with Kyle driving forward was constant threat from range. However, after some good build up play, Smyth was on to hand to power home a rebound after KC’s initial effort was well saved to increase the hosts’ lead to 2-0.

Martin replaced KC and immediately settled into the game bringing a element of composure in possession. In addition, Olphert and McToal came on for Moore and McIntyre who were both returning from injury. Despite being in a comfortable position, this didn’t stop the endeavour of Devine who continued to run the left hand side of the pitch and working to win the ball high.

A comfortable display from the U16’s saw them win 2-0 and continue to their recent run of good form. It was a fantastic opportunity and pleasure for the Coleraine U16’s to play on the new surface, which was thoroughly enjoyed.

The young Bannsiders travel to Institute next Saturday hoping to continue this good run of form.

SQUAD: Donnelly, Dennison, Smith, Kirk, McIntyre, Devine, Armstrong, Kyle, Smyth, Moore, KC, Martin, Olphert, McToal.

NIFL Academy U18

Larne 1-0 Coleraine

Coleraine U18’s made the trip to Larne on Friday night hoping to extend their good form.

The game started well and both teams passed the ball around looking for a opening. Chances were limited in the first half but Coleraine goalkeeper Henry made a fine reaction stop when the Larne striker smashed one from 12 yards. At the other end, Coleraine just lacked the killer touch on a number of occasions when well placed..

Coleraine started the second half well but it was Larne who took the lead 10 minutes in when their tricky winger drove into the box and his cross deflected off a Coleraine defender and fell to an oncoming Larne player to tap in from two yards out.

The next 10 minutes was all Larne as they pushed on looking for the second but the Bannsiders’ defence stood firm, and on the one occasion when Larne did get through, Henry made a smart stop to keep his side in it. Coleraine fought back and had a good chance when Kelly got the ball in the right hand side of the box but his drive went narrowly over the top.

With six minutes remaining, a scuffle between both sets of players resulted in the Larne striker getting sent off for lashing out. Coleraine pushed hard in the remaining minutes for an equaliser but the ten men stood firm and held on to give Coleraine their first defeat of the season.

A real high quality contest between two committed sides.

Coleraine welcome Institute to The Showgrounds next week in another tough league encounter.

SQUAD: Henry, Stewart, McBride, Campbell, Keogh, Callaghan, Moffat, Dealey, McAlesse, Cullen, Patton, Gallagher, Kyle, Elliot, Kelly.