Seventh heaven for Coleraine

By Aaron O'Neill

The Bannsiders have been the in-form team so far this season and their 3-0 over Carrick sees them extend their unbeaten run to 7 games.

In what were poor conditions at the Showgrounds the opening few minutes were a quiet affair with both sides taking time to gain their composure. It was Carrick who threatened first from a corner as Eamon McAllister’s floated delivery forced Chris Johns into a smart save.

Coleraine had a couple of quick-fire chances to go in front in the opening 10 minutes. Darren McCauley had an effort blocked by Carrick defender Aaron Smyth. Moments later Jamie McGonigle should have put the Bannsiders ahead. A well-worked move by Eoin Bradley on the wing left the defender in his wake and his low-cross fell to McGonigle but he dragged his effort wide of the post.

Ciaron Harkin and Darren McCauley had further chances to put the home side ahead mid-way through the first half but David McAlinden’s side defended resolutely.

McCauley threatened again on the half-hour mark. A great run, seen the winger receive the ball from a throw-in, he smartly beat his man outside the area before unleashing a rasping effort forcing Doherty into a smart save in the Carrick goal.

From the resulting corner Coleraine gained the advantage through David Ogilby. The big defender fired a volley towards goal from just inside the penalty area and it found its way into the back of the net.

The midfield duo of Harkin and Lyons had chances to put Oran Kearney’s side further in front in the first -half but to no avail.

Carrick searched for a way back into the game throughout the first-half and they nearly grabbed an equaliser on the stroke of half-time via a Mark Edgar set piece but Johns was able to make a save in the home goal.

As the second half got underway Jamie McGonigle looked to have doubled Coleraine’s advantage on 53 minutes. The young striker latched onto Darren McCauley’s corner but his strike was blocked on the line by fellow striker Eoin Bradley.

Coleraine doubled their advantage on 58 minutes. Jamie McGonigle was hauled down by Denver Gage inside the area. Darren McCauley made no mistake in converting from 12 yards.

Oran Kearney’s side went further ahead on 66 minutes, some excellent link-up play between the Coleraine front-line released McCauley who grabbed his second of the game after firing his effort low into the bottom corner.

Moments later things went from bad to worse for David McAlinden’s side as Carrick were reduced to 10 men. Gavin Taggart was given his marching orders after a two-footed lunge on Ciaron Harkin.

Jamie McGonigle had a super chance to make it four on 76 minutes. Substitute Ian Parkhill played in McGonigle but he dragged his effort inches wide.

Moments later Eoin Bradley had a chance to extend his sides lead. He turned his man inside the area before his curling effort crashed off the post. From the resulting rebound Bradley failed to finish as he missed from 6 yards.

Carrick rarely threatened throughout the game and it was a case of damage limitation at the Showgrounds. Brad Lyons nearly made it 4-0 right at the death, the young midfielder climbed highest but his header crashed off the crossbar.

As the final whistle sounded, it was a case of business as usual for Oran Kearney’s side as they notched up their 7th win in a row and maintain their 3 point cushion at the top of the table. For Carrick Rangers, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to re-group ahead of next week’s clash with Cliftonville.

COLERAINE FC: Johns, Mullan, Harkin, Ogilby, McCauley (’90, McCready) Bradley, Carson (’61, Parkhill) Lyons, O’Donnell, Traynor, McGonigle

UNUSED SUBS: Douglas, Whiteside, Kirk

CARRICK RANGERS: Doherty, Smyth, Edgar, McMullan, Gage, Chapman (’67, Smith), McAllister, Taggart, Surgenor, Mooney (‘71, Morrow) Maybin (’76, Malone)

UNUSED SUBS: McNally, Rice

Man of the Match: Darren McCauley

Referee: Raymond Crangle