EUROPA LEAGUE: Hero Carson to the rescue as brave Bannsiders bow out
Last updated 18th Sep 2020
By Aaron O’Neill at the Showgrounds
Coleraine’s Europa League conquest came to an end last night as they suffered defeat to Motherwell after a nerve shattering penalty shootout at The Showgrounds.
The result clinched a piece of history for Stephen Robinson’s side as they progressed to the third qualifying round for the first time in the club’s history at Coleraine’s expense.
The Bannsiders missed all three of their spot kicks as Northern Ireland international Trevor Carson produced three terrific saves to deny Lyndon Kane, Ian Parkhill and Gareth McConaghie in the shootout.
Motherwell started the brighter as Callum Lang threatened but his shot was blocked behind for a corner by Lyndon Kane before Aaron Traynor kept the scores level with a vital goal line clearance.
Former Celtic ace Anthony Watt almost carved out a chance for his team mate Stephen O’Donnell but Coleraine’s Gareth McConaghie was on hand to head over the crossbar.
Oran Kearney’s men were dealt a blow early on as Aaron Jarvis limped off with a dislocated shoulder to be replaced by Jamie Glackin.
Following a nervy start, James McLaughlin could have headed Coleraine in front but his effort went wide.
Coleraine were made to rue their missed opportunity as Motherwell went straight up the pitch and scored as Lang finished at the second opportunity tapping home following a superb double save from Gareth Deane.
Stephen Robinson’s side looked to double their lead on the half hour mark as Declan Gallagher fired towards goal only to be denied by another goal line clearance from Traynor.
A fine flowing move gifted Motherwell a second goal on 36 minutes as Lang linked up with Liam Polworth to set up Watt whose low drive found the bottom corner.
At half time the Bannsiders were trailing against a clinical Motherwell outfit that capitalised thanks to Lang and Watt. For Coleraine, it was to be an uphill task if they were to muster another Maribor-esque result.
The home side were granted a lifeline on 48 minutes as Ben Doherty went down inside the area giving Finnish referee Antti Munukka no option but to point to the spot. The midfielder gathered himself up to hit the spot kick which he slammed home convincingly to narrow the deficit.
Gareth McConaghie pulled Coleraine level before the hour mark as the defender slammed home Jamie Glackin’s corner following some cunning play between Stephen Lowry and Carson but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The Bannsiders went on the offensive on 65 minutes as McLaughlin ventured in behind but he was unable to get on the end of a terrific pass from McConaghie.
A well worked free kick from Jamie Glackin allowed Stephen Lowry to flick towards goal but his effort went over the crossbar. The midfielder lost his marker well but was unable to convert from close range.
It proved to be a tale of two halves as Motherwell were starved of the ball after the restart which prevented shots at goal.
The game was completely turned on its head on 89 minutes as Eoin Bradley was hauled down inside the box to win Coleraine’s second spot kick of the match. Bevis Mugabi was subsequently dismissed as Doherty produced an exquisite finish to take the game to extra time.
James McLaughlin looked to have fired Coleraine ahead whilst it was Motherwell who had a great chance as Chris Long failed to capitalise on a sloppy pass from Lowry in the first half of extra time.
Coleraine had the bit between their teeth as Jamie Glackin crossed for Bradley who rattled the crossbar with a header. James McLaughlin looked for a rebound but the danger was prevented by a Motherwell defender.
Oran Kearney introduced Curtis Allen late on as James McLaughlin limped off clutching his hamstring as the game edged towards penalties.
Ian Parkhill, Lyndon Kane and Gareth McConaghie missed their spot kicks for the Bannsiders sealing Motherwell’s place in the third qualifying round of the Europa League thanks to a superb goalkeeping display by Trevor Carson for the spot kicks.
COLERAINE FC: Deane (GK), Kane, Jarvis, Doherty, Lowry, McLaughlin (Allen, ‘117mins), Carson, McConaghie, O’Donnell (c), Traynor (Parkhill, ‘74mins), Nixon (Bradley, ‘51mins)
Subs not used: Gallagher (GK), Mullan, Tweed
MOTHERWELL FC: Carson (GK), Lamie, McGinley (Seedorf, ‘65mins), Campbell (Long, ‘91mins), O’Hara, Mugabi, Polworth (Maguire, ‘87mins), Lang (Hastie, ‘87mins), Gallagher (c), Watt, O’Donnell
Subs not used: Morrison, Grimshaw, Maciver
Referee: Anitti Munukka (Finland)