Coleraine and Glenavon share spoils
It was honours even between Coleraine and Glenavon as the sides battled to a 1-1 draw in windy conditions at The Showgrounds.
Eoin Bradley fired the Bannsiders in front before Nial Grace bagged a stunning equaliser for Gary Hamilton’s side at the start of the second half.
Coleraine had a golden opportunity to grab the lead on 12 minutes. Jamie Glackin started a well worked counter attack before releasing Jamie McGonigle. The striker played a cross field ball into Eoin Bradley inside the area but he blazed over.
Moments later Ben Doherty and Josh Carson threatened for the home side but both players dragged their efforts wide.
Coleraine continued to mount the pressure and their efforts were rewarded on 20 minutes. Stephen Lowry crossed for Jamie Glackin who forced a great save from Jonny Tuffey before Eoin Bradley poked home from close range.
Glenavon had a chance of on 23 minutes as Stephen Murray was put through on goal but his goal bound effort was well blocked by Aaron Canning.
Jordan Jenkins had a further chance for Gary Hamilton’s side but Gareth McConaghie put in a great last ditch challenge to deny a certain goal.
Full back Adam Mullan should have extended Coleraine’s lead before the break but his shot was blocked behind for a corner.
Coleraine held the lead at the break as Glenavon struggled to get to grips with the windy conditions in the first half. Rodney McAree’s men would be slightly aggrieved at the interval as they failed to convert a number of chances.
Glenavon regrouped after the break and almost grabbed an equaliser on 49 minutes as Niall Grace put Murray through on goal but his sharp effort was well saved by Chris Johns.
Almost immediately, the Lurgan Blues had their equaliser as an expert turn and shot from Nial Grace flew in to the top corner from the edge of the area.
Jamie McGonigle looked to have given regained the advantage for the Bannsiders on 54 minutes but his well struck free kick was tipped over the crossbar by Tuffey.
Chris Johns produced a world class save to deny Glenavon the lead. Josh Daniels raced clear squaring the ball to Jordan Jenkins but the goalkeeper made an excellent double reaction save to keep the scores level.
Glenavon boss Gary Hamilton brought himself on to replace Jordan Jenkins as the visitors went in search of all three points.
Josh Carson had a goal bound effort denied midway through the second half but his effort was denied by a great block by Caolan Marron.
Shortly after, Aaron Canning threatened for the home side whilst Ben Doherty whistled an effort past the post against his former club.
Coleraine appealed for a penalty in the closing minutes as they felt Eoin Bradley’s header towards goal was handled by Marron.
In the end, it finished level at The Showgrounds in what proved an entertaining game in the Danske Bank Premiership.
COLERAINE FC: Johns, Mullan (Douglas ‘82), Lowry (c), E. Bradley, Carson, McConaghie, Glackin (Parkhill ‘82), McGonigle, Canning, Doherty, Edgar
Subs not used: Doherty, O’Donnell, Owens, J. Bradley, Moore
GLENAVON FC: Tuffey (c), King, Marron, Grace, Daniels, Marshall, Hall (McCloskey ‘45), Clingan, Murray, Singleton, Jenkins (Hamilton ‘70)
Subs not used: Donnelly, Harmon, Larmour, Norton, Sharkey
Referee: Ross Dunlop