Spoils shared as Coleraine and Linfield play out a goalless draw
It was Rodney McAree's first game as Bannsiders manager.
Last updated 23rd Sep 2018
Rodney McAree took charge of Coleraine for the first time as the Bannsiders entertained Linfield at the Showgrounds.
The visitors had the opening chance as Jamie Mulgrew blazed over on 5 minutes. Coleraine responded soon after as Jamie McGonigle tested Roy Carroll with a first-time shot from outside the area.
Coleraine threatened again before the half-hour mark as Darren McCauley’s knock down was fired towards goal by Stephen Lowry but his effort was blocked.
The Bannsiders looked to have gained the advantage on 29 minutes. Aaron Traynor’s cross-field pass was controlled by Ian Parkhill who forced a great save from Carroll with Aaron Burns’ follow-up was deflected behind for a corner.
The visitors could have had the lead at the break as Stephen O’Donnell’s misjudged headed clearance forced Chris Johns into action.
It was level at the interval in what proved a feisty affair between the Danske Bank Premiership’s unbeaten sides, however, the game lacked some quality in periods of the first-half.
The opening chance of the second-half fell to Coleraine as Aaron Traynor’s cross found Darren McCauley with time and space inside the area but the winger dragged his effort wide.
Kirk Millar looked to have given David Healy’s men the lead on 66 minutes. A mix-up in the Coleraine defence allowed the ball to fall to the winger inside the box but his attempt drifted over the crossbar.
The Bannsiders regrouped and had a great chance to break the deadlock as Ian Parkhill’s delivery found the head of McGonigle who nodded over.
Linfield mounted the pressure as Joel Cooper found himself in space out wide but his cross was gathered by Chris Johns much to the dismay of the free standing Linfield attackers at the back post.
Jamie McGonigle looked lively throughout for the home side and his efforts were almost rewarded on 73 minutes. His neat run beat the offside trap but the striker failed to find the target.
The best chance of the game fell to the visitors as Daniel Kearns’ low drive was expertly denied by Chris Johns. Moments later, Linfield hit the crossbar with Joel Cooper’s header before the ball was hooked to safety by a Coleraine defender.
Coleraine dealt with the pressure and had a chance of their own on 86 minutes. Aaron Traynor sent McGonigle through on goal but his effort was saved by Carroll.
Linfield looked to have won it right at the death as Michael O’Connor’s strike took a deflection off a Coleraine defender before striking the base of the post.
At the close of play both sides had to settle with a point keeping their unbeaten starts to the new campaign intact. The result sees Coleraine slip to 4th in the table whilst Linfield remain league leaders.
COLERAINE FC: Johns, Harkin, Douglas, McCauley, Lowry, Burns (Mullan ’80), O’Donnell (c), Parkhill (Bradley ’68), Traynor, McGonigle, Canning
SUBS NOT USED: McLaughlin, Crown, Doherty, Gawne, Owens
LINFIELD FC: Carroll, Robinson, Callacher, O’Connor, Cooper, Millar (Quinn ’74), Clarke, Kearns, Mulgrew (c), Mitchell, Casement
SUBS NOT USED: Stafford, Stewart, Fallon, Garrett, Reynolds, Deane
Referee: Andrew Davey (Bangor)