Kearney’s Kids remain Top of the Pile

BY AARON O'NEILL

The win means that the Bannsiders extend their unbeaten run in the league to 11 games and remain 5 points ahead of second placed Glenavon.

Cliftonville started the brighter of the two sides and could have grabbed the advantage after just 5 minutes. Jay Donnelly turned provider for brother Rory but the striker failed to convert.

Coleraine weathered the storm and took the lead after 10 minutes after Joe McCready was adjudged to have been fouled outside the penalty area. David Ogilby stepped up to the plate and fired the set piece low into the bottom corner beyond the reach of Brian Neeson.

The Reds looked to have levelled a short time later as Jay Donnelly’s goal bound effort was blocked by Coleraine defender Stephen O’Donnell.

Cliftonville levelled on 20 minutes via Rory Donnelly. The striker lost his man inside the area and converted from a well delivered corner.

Joe Gormley looked to have given Barry Gray’s side the lead just before half-time but his rasping effort was well saved by Chris Johns.

As the half-time whistle sounded the scores were level with all to play for after the break.

Coleraine scored early in the second-half when Joe McCready found the back of the net. The goal was his first since signing for the club from Limavady United.

Cliftonville looked for an immediate response and nearly levelled through a Joe Gormley effort. He picked up the ball inside the area but fired his effort straight at Johns at the near post.

The pressure continued from Barry Gray’s men as they searched for an inroad back into the game. Rory Donnelly had a couple of half chances to level the scores but to no avail for the Reds.

Chris Johns was again called into action on 85 minutes. A lose ball fell to the ever present Rory Donnelly but he was denied by another smart save from the Coleraine goalkeeper.

Liam Bagnall was dismissed for CLiftonville in the closing stages of the game. The midfielder was sent off after picking up his second booking of the game.

Coleraine weathered the storm in the second-half and held on for the win. Cliftonville will be feeling a little bit disappointed not to have taken a result from the game.

CLIFTONVILLE FC: Neeson, McGovern (‘65, Garrett), Ives, Breen, Harney, Curran, Bagnall, Winchester (‘54, Cosgrove), Gormley (‘78, Hughes) J. Donnelly, R. Donnelly

UNUSED SUBS: Long, M. Donnelly,

COLERAINE FC: Johns, Mullan, Harkin, Ogilby (‘45, Douglas) McCauley (‘45, McConaghie) Carson, O’Donnell, Parkhill, McGonigle, Traynor, McCready (‘74, Whiteside)

UNUSED SUBS: Kirk, Doherty,

Referee: Andrew Dave