COLERAINE Women recovered from a one-goal deficit to comprehensively defeat Belfast Ravens last night…
Coleraine got off to a challenging start, with early pressure from the Ravens forcing a defensive response. Rachel Stewart handled the initial threat with composure, but a misjudged clearance shortly after gave the Ravens an early lead, putting Coleraine 1-0 down.
The setback sparked an immediate response, and what followed was some of the best football Coleraine has played this season. A pinpoint cross from Chelsea Moore found Shannon Friel, who laid it off to Sam Miskimmon just outside the box. With time and space, Sam fired a superb strike over the Ravens goalkeeper to level the score.
Moments later, Miskimmon tested the keeper again. Although the initial shot was saved, the rebound fell perfectly to Friel, who calmly slotted it home to make it 2-1.
Coleraine’s momentum continued as a clever flick from Miskimmon set up Moore, who took full advantage of the Ravens goalkeeper being off her line. Her lofted finish made it 3-1.
The pair combined again in a near-identical move shortly after, with Moore once more finding the net to extend the lead to 4-1 before the break. Their link-up play throughout the match was outstanding.
Charlotte McAllister’s dynamic runs kept constant pressure on the Ravens’ defence, and Coleraine entered half-time with a commanding 4-1 advantage.
The second-half saw Coleraine adopt a more controlled approach, focusing on solid defending and game management. Despite a few unfortunate offside calls disrupting attacking momentum, the backline — particularly Tina Connor and Niya McIntyre — remained resolute, clearing any danger with confidence.
In the 84th minute, Alex Bachman-Williams unleashed a powerful effort that was saved off the line, but Kyla McGivern was on hand to convert the rebound, making it 5-1.
Just two minutes later, Bachman-Williams turned provider, playing a superb ball through to Eve Anderson, who calmly finished to seal a convincing 6-1 victory.