COLERAINE Women’s Reserves have booked their place in the final of the Division 7 League Cup after a commanding 4-1 victory over Belfast Ravens III in a thrilling semi-final clash yesterday…

From the moment the team stepped onto the pitch in Belfast, there was a quiet confidence among the Coleraine squad — calm, composed, and fully focused on the task ahead. It didn’t take long for that mindset to translate into action.

Early in the first half, Coleraine struck the opening blow. A well-worked move down the right wing from Leah Pollock through to Hayley Mathieson, resulted in a pinpoint cross into the box, where Beth Grant was perfectly positioned to slot the ball home and put Coleraine in front.

However, the celebrations were short-lived as Belfast Ravens hit back almost immediately, capitalising on a quick counter to level the score.

Despite the setback, Coleraine didn’t let their heads drop. Their response was both mature and measured — playing out from the back with phenomenal kicks from Emer Reilly and Emma Diamond, moving the ball through the middle of the park with some fantastic through balls from Kyla McGivern, and stretching the play out wide to Suzanne O’Hara.

The reward came once again through Grant, who finished off another superb attacking move to send Coleraine into the break with a deserved 2-1 lead.

The second-half was a showcase of Coleraine dominance. The team controlled possession, dictated the pace, and frustrated their opponents. At the heart of it all, Lucy Hollies stood tall — snuffing out every attack and putting in a tireless performance. She was even denied a potential goal of her own by a referee’s decision that left many on the sidelines questioning the call.

But the day truly belonged to Grant. Completing her hat-trick and then some with another expertly taken goal in the second half, she sealed a remarkable individual performance and ensured Coleraine’s place in the final with a convincing 4-1 scoreline.

When the final whistle blew, it was clear: every Coleraine player had given their all. A team performance full of energy, organisation, and attacking flair — exactly the kind of football that finals are made of.

All roads now lead to the final — and on this form, Coleraine are more than ready.

Thank you to all the supporters who made the journey, keep a close eye on the Women’s Facebook page for our final date, time and location.