Coleraine bag first win in four games

Coleraine defeat bottom side Ards to register their first win in four games.

Jamie McGonigle’s goal was enough for Coleraine as they picked up three points against Ards at the Showgrounds. On another day, the Bannsiders could have won by more but a lack of quality in front of goal proved to be Coleraine’s Achilles heel at times.

The home side started the brighter against basement club Ards as Eoin Bradley and Josh Carson threatened in the opening minutes.

Darren McCauley looked to have given the home side the lead on 8 minutes. The winger breezed past Nathan Kerr before dinking the ball over the advancing Sam Johnston only to be denied by the post.

Michael McLellan had a great chance for Ards on 19 minutes. His free kick from all of 25 yards forced an acrobatic save from Chris Johns.

Eoin Bradley should have given the Bannsiders the lead almost immediately. A great break away from Josh Carson allowed McCauley to cross but Bradley was unable to convert from 6 yards out.

Ards weathered the early storm and created a chance of their own on 34 minutes. David McAllister had time and space on the edge of the area but the striker poked his effort beyond the post.

Kyle Cherry looked to have broken the deadlock on 40 minutes. The midfielder had a venomous effort from outside the box which took a wicked deflection en route to goal and whistled narrowly past the upright.

At the break, it was level at the Showgrounds. Coleraine had the better of the opportunities and could have been out of sight on another day as Ards were lucky not to be trailing at half time.

After the restart Coleraine grabbed the lead. Darren McCauley’s corner found McConaghie who directed the ball towards goal where Jamie McGonigle headed home from close range.

The Bannsiders almost added a second, minutes later. Eoin Bradley’s cross only needed a touch at the back post but Darren McCauley failed to connect.

Ards battled in the second half as they attempted to get something from the game but the home side continued to create the meaningful chances. Second half substitute Scott McArthur threatened for the visitors but to no avail.

Eoin Bradley and Jamie McGonigle had further chances for McAree’s men but the pair failed to find the target.

Gareth McConaghie called Sam Johnston into action as his driven shot almost crept in. Initially, McCauley’s corner was cleared at the near post as McConaghie reacted quickest to the follow up.

Coleraine had further chances in the closing minutes as Carson and Bradley went close but to no avail.

In the end, Coleraine held on for the win keeping them in 6th place in the Danske Bank Premiership whilst Ards remain bottom.

COLERAINE FC: Johns, Kane (Crown ‘84), Harkin, Douglas (c), McCauley, Lowry, E. Bradley, Carson, McConaghie, McGonigle, Canning

Subs not used: Doherty (GK), McLaughlin, Burns, Gawne, Whiteside, J. Bradley

ARDS FC: Johnston, E. McAlister (McArthur ‘72), Byers (c), Kerr, Cherry, McLellan, D. McAllister, Mitchell (M. Kelly ‘65), Tommons, McClean (J. Kelly ‘61), McAleenan

Subs not used: Mooney, McKenna, Strain

Referee: Tim Marshal