NIFL Academy League

A weekly catch-up of NIFL Academy League action as Coleraine U16’s and 18’s faced Linfield, with the U20’s hosting Carrick Rangers…

NIFL Academy U16

Coleraine 1-3 Linfield

Coleraine hosted Linfield on Saturday morning at wet and windy Showgrounds.

The Bannsiders started brightly and competed well with the visitors as both sides had opportunities but neither could break the deadlock. Coleraine shaded the first half but unfortunately had nothing to show for their efforts.

The second half was a much more open affair, again both teams having chances and it was Linfield who took the lead 10 minutes into the half with a fine strike from the edge of the area. Five minutes later, it was 2-0 when a well taken corner was turned home from close range.

Coleraine were in no mood to roll over and pulled a goal back with 15 minutes remaining through Smyth. The Stripes pushed hard for an equaliser and J.Smith had two great opportunities but unfortunately couldn’t convert. Linfield made the game safe in the final minute to leave the score 3-1.

A much tighter game than the scoreline suggests.

Everyone at Coleraine FC would like to wish Sean Gault a speedy recovery as he suffered a broken wrist during Saturday’s game.

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

NIFL Academy U18

Linfield 1-1 Coleraine

Coleraine made the trip to Belfast on Friday night to take on Linfield. The first meeting between the sides finished all square so another tight encounter was to be expected.

The game started at a frantic pace with plenty of effort from both sides but no real chances of note in the first 20 minutes. As the game settled, Coleraine got a grip on things and started imposing themselves on the Linfield defence. The visitors began to create chances and really should have been in front by half time but they gave up three decent chances to leave things level at the break.

The second half was barely a minute old when the home side hit the front when the striker cut in from the left and unleashed an unstoppable effort in off the post. Coleraine were rattled and Linfield created a few half chances but fortunately for the visitors, the Blues never added to the lead.

Coleraine regained composure and started to up the pressure on the Linfield rearguard, a few half chances came and went and a strong penalty appeal was waved away.

Coleraine to their credit kept pushing and they had Linfield pinned back, with a deserved equaliser arriving with 12 minutes remaining as good work on the left by Elliot allowed Patton the head home from close range.

The Bannsiders continued to push forward looking for the winner that on the night their performance probably deserved. Unfortunately it didn’t arrive and for the second time this season the teams couldn’t be separated.

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

NIFL Academy U20

Coleraine 3-1 Carrick Rangers

Coleraine 20s hosted Carrick Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

Coleraine raced out of the blocks and were three goals to the good in the opening 25 minutes. Kirk McLaughlin headed home the opener and the same player soon followed that up with a mazy run past a couple of Carrick defenders and a neat finish. Luke McConnell then added the third to leave the Bannsiders firmly in control.

The second half was a much quieter affair without much goal mouth action. However, Carrick did get a lifeline when the unfortunate Curran turned the ball past his own goalkeeper to make it 3-1.

Carrick to their credit kept going and tried hard to get back in the game but Coleraine comfortably saw the game out to claim all three points.

SQUAD: Shiels, Riley, McNeill, Curran, Tosh, Stinson, Doherty, McConnell, Quigley, McLaughlin, Kirk, McGill, McFeely, McBride, Cullen, Henry.