Coleraine fight back to keep title hopes alive
Down to the wire ... as Bannsiders make a point
Last updated 23rd Apr 2018
By Aaron O'Neill
The 2017/18 Danske Bank Premiership title race will be decided on the last day of the season as Crusaders and Coleraine are still level at the top of the table heading into the final day.
The Bannsiders looked all but out of it at the National Stadium as they trailed by two goals at the break. However, some magic from Darren McCauley turned the game on its head as his double was enough to secure a point for Coleraine.
Linfield started the brighter of the sides and could have gained the advantage in the opening minutes. Achille Campion met Ryan Strain’s cross but the striker’s header drifted over the crossbar.
David Healy’s side continued to press and their efforts were rewarded on 13 minutes. Some intricate play from the home side allowed Matthew Clarke to cross and his delivery was met by the advancing Campion who made no mistake from close range.
The Blues almost doubled their lead as Strain and Byrne tried their luck however the Bannsiders had Chris Johns to thank as the goalkeeper made a tremendous double save.
Oran Kearney’s men had no answer for Linfield’s fluent football and fell further behind after 35 minutes. A long ball caused problems for the Coleraine defence allowing Kurtis Byrne to capitalise and poke home from 15 yards.
Coleraine looked for a response as Darren McCauley sent Eoin Bradley through on goal however the striker’s effort was denied by Mark Stafford’s block.
As the half-time whistle sounded Linfield were deserved of their 2 goal advantage. For Coleraine, it was back to the drawing board if they were to get anything from the game and keep their title aspirations alive.
As the second-half started Linfield should have made it 3 as Campion released Byrne with the latter firing into the side netting.
Stephen Dooley had Coleraine’s first meaningful chance of the game on 57 minutes as his looping header forced Roy Carroll to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Coleraine were dealt further blow moments later as Lyndon Kane had to be stretchered off as a result of an earlier clash with Ryan Strain.
Ciaron Harkin looked to have reduced the deficit for the Bannsiders on 65 minutes. A great cut-back from Darren McCauley found Harkin in space in the box but his goal bound strike was deflected over by Jimmy Callacher.
The Bannsiders were given a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty on 72 minutes when Roy Carroll was adjudged to have fouled Ian Parkhill inside the area. Up stepped Darren McCauley who made no mistake in converting from the spot.
Moments later the game was turned on its head as Coleraine grabbed an equaliser. Ex-Linfield man Aaron Burns sent McCauley through on goal and the winger coolly slotted home to the delight of the Coleraine faithful.
An inspired fight back from Oran Kearney’s side was enough to salvage a point at the National Stadium. The result means it’s as you were at the top of the table with Crusaders and Coleraine deadlocked on 87 points.
LINFIELD FC: Carroll, Stafford, Robinson, Haughey, Callacher, Millar, Byrne, Clarke, Garrett, Campion (Rooney ’73), Strain (Fallon ’73)
Subs not used: Crowe, Casement, A. Carroll
COLERAINE FC: Johns, Kane (Mullan ’61), Harkin, McCauley, Smith, Bradley (Bradley ’45), McConaghie, O’Donnell, Traynor, McGonigle (Burns ’45), Dooley
Subs not used: Douglas, Lyons
Referee: Andrew Dave