Honours even between Coleraine and Crusaders

By Aaron O'Neill

Jamie McGonigle’s second-half strike was cancelled out by Howard Beverland’s equaliser. The result sees Stephen Baxter’s side move level on points with 2nd placed side Glenavon.

The opening chance fell to Crusaders in the opening minutes. Paul Heatley and Jordan Owens linked up, with the striker poking his effort wide of the post.

Gavin Whyte could have gave Stephen Baxter’s side the lead on 12 minutes but his in swinging free kick was tipped around the post by Chris Johns.

The home side had a chance of their own on 23 minutes. Darren McCauley’s strong run and cross searched for the advancing Ian Parkhill but he was denied a certain goal by a last ditch block from Mark McCrystal.

The windy conditions at The Showgrounds made it tough for both sides. Crusaders looked to have settled the better of the two sides as they had the best of the opening chances.

Parkhill went close for the Bannsiders on 33 minutes. His jinking run evading the Crusaders defence before his shot was turned behind for a corner.

Oran Kearney’s side seemed to find their composure during the first-half and could have gained the advantage just before half-time. Jamie McGonigle laying the ball into the path of the lively Parkhill but his effort was blocked by McCrystal.

Jordan Owens should have scored moments later, he latched onto Gavin Whyte’s cross but his weak effort was saved by Johns at the far post.

Owens had another opportunity before the half-time interval. Mark McCrystal’s searching ball found the head of the Crusaders front man but his effort was easily gathered by Johns.

As the half-time whistle sounded it was honours even at The Showgrounds with the scores level at 0-0.

Crusaders went in search of a goal early in the second-half. Gavin Whyte’s low drive drifting narrowly wide of the post.

The Bannsiders could have gone in front on 49 minutes. Josh Carson slipping Harkin through on goal but the midfielder dragged his effort wide.

In what was a rather frantic start to the second-half Jordan Forsythe looked to have given Stephen Baxter’s side the advantage but his effort was well blocked by McConaghie. The Crues pressure continued with Brown and Heatley going close but to no avail.

Oran Kearney looked to the bench for inspiration as Brad Lyons made his return after a lengthy facial injury. The substitute had an immediate impact as he tested Brian Jensen with a header.

Coleraine went ahead on 66 minutes. Brad Lyons with a well timed through ball playing in Jamie McGonigle. The young forward drifted across the penalty area before placing the ball into the bottom corner beyond the clutches of Brian Jensen.

Crusaders searched for an equaliser straight away via Declan Caddell but his effort was easily held by Johns.

Paul Heatley had a great opportunity to equalise on 88 minutes. The Crusaders forward forcing Johns into a spectacular save. From the eventual corner Crusaders equalised as Howard Beverland headed home from close range against his former club.

Jamie McGonigle went close on 82 minutes but his well hit effort was well blocked by Rodney Brown.

Stephen O’Donnell could have grabbed all 3 points for the Bannsiders in the closing minutes but his header sailed over the crossbar.

As the game filtered to a finish there was little to report by way of chances as both sides had to settle for a point. The result sees Crusaders move up to 2nd in the table whist Coleraine move 6 clear at the top.

COLERAINE FC: Johns, Mullan (Whiteside, ’92), Harkin, McCauley, Smith, Carson, McConaghie, O’Donnell, Parkhill (Lyons, ‘56) Traynor, McGonigle

UNUSED SUBS: Douglas, Ogilby, McCready

CRUSADERS FC: Jensen, Burns, McCrystal, Brown, Ward, Caddell, Forsythe (Cushley, ’77) Heatley (Glackin, ’81) Whyte, Owens, Beverland

UNUSED SUBS: McClean, Nimick, Kerr

Referee: Tim Marshall