Coleraine stage fight-back to beat Carrick and return to top of table
Inspired second-half display puts Bannsiders in league driving seat
By Aaron O'Neill at the Showgrounds
An inspired second-half performance from Coleraine propelled the Bannsiders back to the summit of the Danske Bank Premiership giving them a one-point advantage over Crusaders.
Two goals from Josh Carson (pictured below) either side of Aaron Burns’ goal helped secure all three points for Oran Kearney’s side.
After a nervy start at the Showgrounds it was the visitors who had the first meaningful chance. Some neat wing play from Eoin Bradley allowed him to lay the ball into Ian Parkhill who tested Harry Doherty from 20 yards.
David McAlinden’s side regained their composure and could have gone in front on 18 minutes as Daniel Larmour’s turn and shot on the edge of the box struck the base of the post and went behind.
Defensive duo Lyndon Kane and Gareth McConaghie proved threatening as the pair had chances to put the Bannsiders in front midway through the first half but to no avail.
It was shaping up to be one of those nights for Oran Kearney’s side as Aaron Burns had a penalty saved on the half hour mark.
Burns had put Bradley through on goal and the striker was hauled down inside the area by Carrick defender Damian McNulty.
Carrick threatened moments later but Eamon Scannell failed to hit the target with his 18-yard free kick.
It was Carrick who grabbed the lead on 37 minutes after Darren Henderson capitalised on a defensive error and poke the ball into the back of the net beyond the clutches of the advancing Chris Johns.
Josh Carson almost levelled for Coleraine on 40 minutes as his rasping effort forced Doherty into a splendid save.
Aaron Burns could have redeemed himself before the interval but his shot was cleared off the line after a goal mouth scramble.
Oran Kearney’s half time team talk seemed to spur the Bannsiders on as Josh Carson levelled the scores on 47 minutes. The Carrick defence feared to clear from a corner and Carson made no mistake in finding the net from close range.
Eoin Bradley could have put the home side in front seconds later as he dispossessed Harry Doherty but the striker failed to find the target with the follow up.
Carrick responded with a chance of their own on 56 minutes as Eamon McAllister tested Johns from distance.
The Bannsiders continued to pressurise the Carrick defence and their efforts were rewarded just before the hour mark. Great vision from Brad Lyons allowed him to feed the ball to Burns who poked home from inside the area.
McAlinden’s men should have equalised in the second half but luckily for the home side Gareth McConaghie was on hand to avert the danger.
Oran Kearney’s men extended their lead on 83 minutes as Josh Carson grabbed his second of the night after firing home from Aaron Traynor’s cross.
Carrick responded immediately as Aaron Smith’ spectacular effort from inside the area flew into the top corner however the home side held on for victory at the Showgrounds.
The result means Coleraine move back to the top of the Danske Bank Premiership with just a point separating Oran Kearney’s men from Crusaders.
COLERAINE FC: Johns, Kane, Parkhill (McCauley ’54) Smith, Bradley, Carson, Burns (Dooley ’72) McConaghie, Lyons, O’Donnell, Traynor
SUBS: Mullan, Douglas, Doherty
CARRICK RANGERS: Doherty, A. Smyth (Mooney ’88), Surgenor, Chapman, J. Smith, McAllister, Scannell (M. Smith ’61) Larmour, Hassin, Henderson, McNulty (Fogarty ’78)
SUBS: Gage, Morrow