Coleraine comeback keeps title hopes alive

By Aaron O’Neill

Coleraine moved level on points with Crusaders at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership after Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Cliftonville at the Showgrounds.

The Bannsiders came from a goal behind to secure all three points. The result means both Crusaders and Coleraine are locked level on 84 points with only 3 games remaining in the 2017/18 campaign.

Cliftonville started the brighter of the sides and could have gone ahead in the opening minutes as Jay Donnelly rattled the post from inside the area.

The Stripes looked edgy early on as Cliftonville continued to pile on the pressure when Gormley was denied by Chris Johns.

Barry Gray’s men were rewarded for their efforts as Jay Donnelly fired Cliftonville in front early in the first half to give the visitors the advantage.

Coleraine searched for an equaliser as Stephen O’Donnell was an ever present danger from set-plays.

Aaron Burns went close for Oran Kearney’s side but his snapshot failed to trouble Brian Neeson in the Cliftonville goal giving the Reds the advantage at the interval.

Cliftonville were forced to withdraw the lively duo of Gormley and Donnelly as both picked up knocks in the opening exchanges.

Oran Kearney’s half time team talk certainly impacted on his players as they came out fighting after the break.

Darren McCauley looked to have grabbed an equaliser on 50 minutes but his effort was cleared off the line. Moments later O’Donnell threatened again but his header drifted over.

The Bannsiders introduced Eoin Bradley and Josh Carson midway through the second half as they strived to keep their title hopes alive.

Cliftonville looked to extend their advantage but Rory Donnelly failed to find the target.

Coleraine continued to threaten and were deserved of their equaliser on 71 minutes as Stephen Dooley fired home from close range.

Darren McCauley tried his luck shortly after but Neeson was on hand to keep the scores level.

With 5 minutes remaining the Bannsiders were awarded a penalty after Bradley was fouled inside the penalty area. Jamie McGonigle stepped up and converted from the spot giving Coleraine the advantage.

Coleraine held on for victory meaning they are now level on points with Crusaders following their 1-1 victory with Glenavon at Seaview.

COLERAINE FC: Johns, Kane, Harkin (Bradley ’56), McCauley, Burns (Carson ’69), McConaghie, Lyons (Smith ’80), O’Donnell, Traynor, McGonigle, Dooley

Subs not used: Douglas, Parkhill

CLIFTONVILLE FC: Neeson, McGovern, Ives, Harney, Curran, Harkin, Gormley (Garrett ’49) J. Donnelly (Cosgrove ’48), Grimes, McDonald, R. Donnelly

Subs not used: Mooney, Winchester, Lavery