Coleraine see off Ards to move 5 clear

The win sees the Bannsiders move 5 points clear of Glenavon at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership.

Oran Kearney made one change from Saturday’s defeat against Linfield with Gareth McConaghie replacing David Ogilby in the heart of the defence.

Whilst Ards opted for 3 changes after Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat against Cliftonville.

The opening exchanges were rather cagey at The Showgrounds with both sides finding it hard to acclimatise to the windy conditions.

Ian Parkhill and Darren McCauley went close inside the opening 15 minutes for the Bannsiders but to no avail.

Moments later the home side gained the advantage. Darren McCauley’s in swinging corner ricocheted off the post before Martin Smith cannoned the ball against the woodwork for a second time. Luckily for Oran Kearney’s side defender Gareth McConaghie reacted quickest to the rebound to convert from close range.

Ards rarely threatened in the first-half as Coleraine dominated the opening proceedings. Jonny Frazer looked to muster a few chances for the visitors but the winger failed with the end product.

Coleraine should have extended their advantage midway through the first-half as Parkhill, Smith and O’Donnell all went close for the Bannsiders.

The home side doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time. Gareth McConaghie climbed highest to head home Ciaron Harkin’s free-kick.

Ards started the second-half the brighter of the two sides as they searched for an inroad back into the match.

Reece Glendinning had Colin Nixon’s sides’ best chance of the game as he forced Johns into a save on 47 minutes.

Coleraine secured all 3 points shortly after the hour mark when Josh Carson’s left footed strike found its way into the back of the net from 25 yards. The goal takes his tally to 6 for the season.

Martin Smith made it 4 for the Bannsiders on 76 minutes. The ex-Kilmarnock man fired home from close range to grab his first goal for Oran Kearney’s side since joining in October.

Ards grabbed a consolation goal on 88 minutes as Michael McClellan converted from close range after his previous effort came crashing off the crossbar.

Tuesday evening’s win means that Oran Kearney’s side extend their advantage at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership to 5 points. Nearest challengers Glenavon take on Linfield on Friday night, a win for the Lurgan Blues would see them reduce the deficit to just 2 points.

COLERAINE FC: Johns, Mullan (‘63, Whiteside), Harkin, McCauley (‘79, Kee), Smith, Carson, McConaghie, O’Donnell, Parkhill, Traynor, McGonigle (‘63, McCready)

UNUSED SUBS: Douglas, Ogilby,

ARDS FC: Hogg, Glendinning, Elebert (‘24, Byers), Taylor, Ruddy, Frazer, Cherry (‘45, Keke) (’74, McClellan), Tommons, McMillen, Kelly, Arthurs

UNUSED SUBS: Hanley, Mitchell

Referee: E. Boyce