Seven debuts pleases Smith

U20’s manager Marty Smith admits last night was a proud evening for the club as they reached the semi-final of the North-West Cup…

Despite having some experienced heads in their ranks, the tie allowed the Bannsiders to give seven competitive debuts to members of the squad.

The mix of experience and youth would prove to be fruitful as Coleraine reached the final four of the competition with Smith pleased to see as Conor McKendry’s hat-trick helped seal a 3-2 success.

Smith also reflected on the ending of the contest as the Stripes had to dig deep after conceding two late goals to set-up a grandstand finish.

With Coleraine Youths in European action next week, Smith remarked that all the young members of the squad will be in contention to face FK Pobeda.