NIFL Academy League

COLERAINE U16’s would secure a derby day victory against Ballymena United with our U20’s pegged back for a draw late on…

NIFL Academy U16

Ballymena United 1-3 Coleraine

Coleraine came out on top in an exciting local derby played in wet and windy conditions at the Ballymena Showgrounds.

Coleraine were just shading the first half when Ben Moore showed a bit of class to cut inside the defender and put one in the top corner to put the Bannsiders in front at half-time.

Ballymena responded and equalised early in the second half before Josh Olphert put the Stripes back In front with a superb 25-yard free kick placing it in the top corner.

With six minutes remaining, Danny Smith rounded off a good move to make it 3-1 and secure the victory.

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

NIFL Academy U20

Coleraine 2-2 Glenavon

Coleraine and Glenavon played out an entertaining affair on Saturday at The Showgrounds.

Coleraine started well and took the lead after just six minutes. James McLaughlin who made a welcome return from injury managed to turn home a Tosh delivery from the right.

Both sides were creating chances throughout the opening period as McFeely, McConnell and McLaughlin all seen chances come and go, while at the other end, Glenavon also had chances which Shiels was equal to but five minutes before the break Glenavon did draw level to leave it 1-1 at the break.

Coleraine started the second half well and were on the front foot however Glenavon were also a threat and had some opportunities themselves.

Coleraine got themselves ahead with 12 minutes to go when a cross from Tosh was played back across the box by McConnell and Houston was on hand to tap home from close range. The lead unfortunately did not last long as Glenavon equalised with five minutes remaining.

Both sides had opportunities in the closing minutes but a draw was probably a fair result in an close affair. Coleraine now look ahead to next Saturday as they travel to table topping Crusaders.

SQUAD: Shiels, Riley, Tosh, Dealey, McNeill, C.Kirk, Houston, Stinson, McConnell, McFeely, McLaughlin, Curran, Watton, Mackay, A.Kirk, Quigley.