COLERAINE 4 BALLYMENA UNITED 1
It was a frantic opening with Stephen Lowry and David Scullion drawing good saves out of Dwayne Nelson.
While at the other end Jamie Davidson held off Ogilby’s challenge before clipping the bar with his shot.
Coleraine began to dominate and Beverland hit the woodwork from Lowry’s free, before Allen dragged a shot across goal.
The deadlock was finally broken on 40 minutes as Harkin released Scullion who picked out Boyce for a tap in.
Coleraine extended their advantage 10 minutes after the restart as Boyce played Michael Hegarty in for only his second goal in 103 appearances.
Mark Surgeoner missed a glorious chance to reduce the deficit two minutes later as he failed to convert from close range.
He was made to pay for that miss on 62 minutes as Scullion finished off a great move to make it 3-0.
The hosts spurned the opportunity to make it four after sub Mark Gillan was upended in the box. Credit to Nelson though as he saved Allen’s spot kick and Lowry’s follow up.
The Sky Blues pulled a goal back on 84 minutes as Gary Thompson fired in from close range.
Their joy was short-lived as Allen made amends for his penalty by making it 4-1 in stoppage time.
Coleraine: Cullen, Canning, McIlmoyle, Beverland, Ogilby, Hegarty, Lowry, Harkin, Scullion (Owens 75), Boyce (Gillan 80), Allen.
Subs: Doherty, McVey, Boyd.
Ballymena Utd: Nelson, Kane (Lowry 62), Munster, Taylor, Stewart, Thompson, Taggart, Jenkins (Surgeoner 23), Cushley (McCabe 67), Teggart, Davidson.
Subs: Black, Rodgers.
Referee: Arnold Hunter.
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