Season Review

February

2019-20 Season Review: February

FEBRUARY would prove to be a profitable month for the Bannsiders as they sealed five wins across three different competitions, including the BetMcLean League Cup for the first time since 1988…

McGuckin’s brace helped Coleraine into the quarter-final of the Irish Cup.

The Bannsiders would start February by reaching the quarter-final stage of the Irish Cup competition as goals from Aaron Canning and Emmett McGuckin (2) sealed a win against Banbridge Town. After Stephen McCavitt missed a glorious opportunity to give the visitors the lead, the Bannsiders would hit the front on 16 minutes as a corner kick from Jamie Glackin met the head of Aaron Canning who nodded home from close range. The Stripes would enjoy plenty of possession after the break and would threaten through James McLaughlin and Ian Parkhill, but the second goal would arrive on 69 minutes as a strong run and pass from Stephen O’Donnell released substitute Emmett McGuckin who fired into the net. There was even time for the home side to add further gloss to the scoreline on 79 minutes as a poor clearance from Town was punished as Caolan Brennan looked up and found McGuckin inside the area and the ex-Dergview ace would make no mistake from close range.

Jamie Glackin celebrates his goal directly from a corner against Glentoran.

It was back to league duty for Oran Kearney’s men as they were on their travels to face in-form Glentoran at The Oval. The Bannsiders would move up to second spot in the Danske Bank Premiership after Jamie Glackin’s goal – directly from a corner kick – separated the two sides at The Oval. In a match that was spoiled with the effects of Storm Ciara, the visitors would have the perfect opportunity to take the lead from the spot as Eoin Bradley was fouled inside the area by Gavin Peers. With Ben Doherty still returning from injury, Bradley took the spot kick himself but he was unable to find the target. The Stripes had the advantage of the wind in the second-half and threatened twice when debutant Stewart Nixon whistled wide, before Josh Carson’s half volley went inches by the post. However, the deadlock was broken on 64 minutes as Glackin’s corner deceived Marijan Antolovic and went into the net. After James McLaughlin threatened to double Coleraine’s advantage, the Glens would create one final chance as Navid Nasseri’s cross met Robbie McDaid, but the striker was unable to convert.

A trip to the National Stadium would be up next for the Stripes as they locked horns with Crusaders in the final of the BetMcLean League Cup. The Bannsiders’ bid to bring home the trophy since the 1987-88 season got off to a bad start as they fell behind after only 10 minutes as Jamie McGonigle rifled the ball into the back of the net. However, after steadying an early Crusaders storm, the Bannsiders would be awarded a penalty on 37 minutes as Jamie Glackin went to ground inside the box and Stephen Lowry comfortably dispatched from 12 yards. After the break, Coleraine would edge in front on 52 minutes as Crusaders failed to clear their lines from a corner which allowed James McLaughlin to head home in front of a vocal East Stand. Oran Kearney’s men nearly grabbed a third as Sean O’Neill was called into action to deny Ian Parkhill’s drive, with McGonigle missing a guilt-edged chance to send the game into extra-time at the death.

Coleraine players celebrate their League Cup success against Crusaders.

The following week, Coleraine would move up to second spot in the Danske Bank Premiership after two goals in each half helped defeat ‘Stute for the first time this season. After James McLaughlin would force Rory Brown into an early save, Coleraine would hit the front on 27 minutes as a delightful delivery from Jamie Glackin met Aaron Canning who powerfully headed into the net. On the stroke of half-time, Canning would get on the act once again as he emphatically fired home from Josh Carson’s corner-kick to make it six goals for the season. After the break, Coleraine would extend their advantage as Stephen O’Donnell headed in against his former club, before Stewart Nixon crossed the ball to Josh Carson who stabbed home from close range.

The final match of an important month would see Coleraine and Larne face each other for a third successive year in the Irish Cup. In a pulsating tie at Inver Park, it would be the hosts who would

A pulsating night at Inver Park…

hold a half-time lead as Martin Donnelly’s cross was deflected into his own net by Lyndon Kane. Coleraine responded and found an equaliser as Bradley laid the ball into the path of James McLaughlin who fired a crisp effort into the bottom corner. The two sides wouldn’t be level for long as Jeff Hughes regained Larne’s lead from another set-piece on 64 minutes, but back came Coleraine who levelled once again from the penalty spot as Stephen Lowry comfortably dispatched from 12 yards. Just as the game looked destined for extra-time, the travelling support would be in raptures as Jamie Glackin’s flick-on released Eoin Bradley inside the area and he blasted the ball through the legs of Conor Devlin to send the Bannsiders into the last four.

Unsurprisingly, Oran Kearney was named as NIFWA Manager of the Month.

colerainefc.com Goal of the Month winner: James McLaughlin vs Larne
Garvagh, Kilrea and District Coleraine Supporters’ Club Player of the Month: Eoin Bradley