Honours even between Coleraine and Institute

Coleraine and Institute enjoyed a share of the spoils in Friday night’s 2-2 draw in the Danske Bank Premiership.

Michael McCrudden’s second-half penalty as Institute denied Coleraine a comeback win at the Showgrounds.

Dean Curry’s header had given Institute the lead but his effort was cancelled out by strikes from Jamie McGonigle and Brad Lyons.

Both managers opted for change ahead of the derby encounter with no fewer than 7 changes between the sides.

It was a cagey opening for Coleraine as Institute went close as in form front man Michael McCrudden flashed wide.

The Bannsiders had two quick fire efforts denied from Jamie McGonigle and Brad Lyons after some resolute defending from Stute.

Lyons had another effort on 28 minutes but his half-volley sailed over the crossbar.

Some great initiative from Stute presented Stephen Curry an opening before half-time. A short corner caught Coleraine cold but his shot was palmed behind by Chris Johns.

From the resulting corner Paddy McLaughlin’s men grabbed the lead as Dean Curry stooped to head home Gareth Brown’s delivery.

Institute were worthy of their half-time lead in what was a ‘nip and tuc’ opening 45 minutes. The Bannsiders rued their missed chances as they trailed at the break.

Institute almost doubled their lead after the restart as Johns was forced into action to deny Gareth Brown’s header.

The Bannsiders drew level on 53 minutes via Jamie McGonigle. Stephen Lowry’s cross was knocked down by Ian Parkhill with the striker making no mistake in firing his volley low into the bottom corner.

Institute responded on 61 minutes as Dean Curry’s rasping free-kick from 20 yards forced a tremendous save from Johns.

Coleraine grabbed the lead on 71 minutes as Brad Lyons climbed highest to head home Aaron Traynor’s sweeping cross to secure his second goal of the season.

Michael McCrudden levelled proceedings at the Showgrounds as he stroked home from the penalty spot on 79 minutes. Second-half substitute Callum Moorehead glided past Stephen Lowry inside the area before being bundled over inside the box.

The result sees Institute continue their rich vein of form since winning promotion back to the top flight. The Bannsiders still remain 32 domestic games unbeaten but have failed to hit their heights in recent weeks.

COLERAINE FC: Johns, Lyons, McCauley, Lowry, Bradley (Gawne, ‘87), Crown, McConaghie, O’Donnell (c), Parkhill (Harkin, ‘67), Traynor, McGonigle

Substitutes not used: Mullan, Doherty (GK), Douglas

INSTITUTE FC: Gallagher, R. Morrow, McLaughlin, Bonner, Jarvis, Brown (Dunne, ‘60), McIntyre (Moorehead, ‘73), Wilson, D. Curry, S. Curry (Henderson, ‘74), McCrudden,

Substitutes not used: Doherty, Morrow, McCready, Canning

Referee: Shane Andrew.