Coleraine clinch historic result against NK Maribor in Slovenia
The Coleraine side beat Slovenian side NK Maribor 5-4 on penalties.
Last updated 28th Aug 2020
Coleraine created European history as their penalty shootout victory against NK Maribor secured their place in the second qualifying round of the Europa League last night.
In what proved to be a momentous night for the club, the Bannsiders netted all their spot-kicks convincingly as Ian Parkhill, Lyndon Kane, Gareth McConaghie, Eoin Bradley and Ben Doherty kept their cool to fire Coleraine into the hat for the next round.
Rudi Pozeg missed a decisive penalty for the home side despite levelling proceedings earlier in the match moments after James McLaughlin’s magnificent opener had put Oran Kearney’s side ahead.
The first chance fell to the visitors in the opening minute as Stephen Lowry crossed for Josh Carson but his glancing header went wide.
Gareth Deane pulled off a fantastic save moments later to keep the scores level diving high to his right to prevent what looked like a certain goal from Rok Kronaveter
NK Maribor appealed for a penalty on 16 minutes as they felt Aijosa Matko’s strike from a well-worked corner was blocked by the arm of Aaron Canning. However, Norwegian referee Kai Erik Steen waved away the appeal.
Stewart Nixon looked lively for the Bannsiders in the first half, getting Oran Kearney’s side up the pitch at every opportunity in what was a disciplined performance in the opening exchanges.
Coleraine held their own and were rewarded for their hard work as they managed to get in level at the break at Stadion Ljudski vrt.
The Bannsiders were in dreamland on 62 minutes as James McLaughlin lashed an effort low into the bottom corner from the edge of the area to hand them the lead.
Coleraine’s lead was short-lived as NK Maribor pulled level three minutes later as second-half substitute; Rudi Pozeg held his nerve to finish Milec’s cross.
Oran Kearney’s men soaked up the pressure which meant the game was to be decided in extra time.
The home side missed a penalty in the first half of extra time as substitute Amir Dervisivic rattled the crossbar from the spot before the ball was cleared to safety.
Brazillian striker Marcos Tavares threatened for the home side as Eoin Bradley caused his own problems for the opposition.
The game headed into extra time as neither side once again but was unable to clinch the win after 120 minutes.
Tavares went close for Sergej Jakirovic’s side before Coleraine winger Josh Carson tried his luck with a dipping shot which drifted over the crossbar.
Gareth Deane produced yet another wonder-save during extra time to keep the game level which gave further glimmers of hope that the Bannsiders could get the job done against quality opposition.
Ian Parkhill and Bradley both had efforts saved in the minutes that remained, but the attacking pair had their efforts saved.
In the end, the game was to be decided by spot-kicks and Coleraine’s talent carried them through as Ian Parkhill, Lyndon Kane, Gareth McConaghie, Eoin Bradley and Ben Doherty netted to secure a historic win for Oran Kearney’s side.