COLERAINE 1 GLENTORAN 1
Coleraine and Glentoran had to settle for a share of the spoils in this New Year’s Day encounter at The Showgrounds.
Coleraine created the first opportunity with 11 minutes on the clock. Stephen Lowry and Ryan McIlmoyle linked up well down the left, with the full back whipping a good ball into the box. The Glens half cleared it but Aaron Canning latched on to the loose ball forcing a decent stop from Elliott Morris.
Chances were at a premium, but eight minutes before the break Curtis Allen carved out one for himself just outside the box.
The striker spun and curled a delightful shot goalwards, but it just beat the far post.
It was the visitors who broke the deadlock right on half time as Marcus Kane fired in a spectacular effort which caught everyone by surprise.
The Glens almost made it 2-0 four minutes into the second half as Andy Waterworth raced on to a through ball. He rounded Michael Doherty, but his shot from a tight angle was blocked by Howard Beverland before Aaron Canning cleared.
The Bannsiders had a great chance to level on 57 minutes as Stephen Lowry’s quick free kick sent Allen through on goal, but Morris stood up well to block his effort.
Allen went close again on 72 minutes with a header but again Morris did well.
The hosts finally grabbed an equaliser on 79 minutes as Beverland released substitute Shane Jennings and he coolly slotted past Morris.
Curtis Allen spurned another great opportunity with five minutes to go as he somehow turned Johnny Watt’s cross wide from two yards.
It was a frantic final ten minutes but neither side could find a winner.
Coleraine: Doherty, Beverland, Hegarty, Ogilby, Scullion, Lowry, Allen, Harkin, McIlmoyle (Watt 61), Canning, Boyce (Jennings 61).
Subs: Gillan, Bradley, Owens.
Glentoran:Morris, Ward, Kane (O‘Hanlon 80), Magee, Birney, M Clarke, Callacher, Howland, Waterworth, R Clarke (Hill 28), Carson.
Subs: McComb, Gordon, Bradley.
Referee: Colin Burns.
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