Shevlin double sees Coleraine win derby opener against Ballymena
Last updated 5th Aug 2023
Matthew Shevlin netted twice as Coleraine beat Ballymena United 2-1 on Friday night in the Sports Direct Premiership opener.
New Sky Blues skipper Colin Coates got his manager Jim Ervin's managerial career off to the best possible start when he put the visitors ahead early on.
However Shevlin levelled 11 minutes later to send the sides in at 1-1 at half-time.
A superb second half passing move was swept home by Shevlin to strike what proved to be the winner.
On Saturday, Glenavon hosted Glentoran - Jay Donnelly scored a goal deep into injury-time to seal a 1-0 Glentoran success.
Newly-promoted Loughgall won 3-0 at Newry City.
All their goals came in the first half. Caolan Loughran opened the account in the 10th minute before Nathaniel Ferris doubled their lead with a penalty kick.
What turned out to be the final goal of the game came in the 26th minute when Loughran got his second of the contest, his close range strike too good for Steven Maguire.