Coleraine denied first win of season by late Crusaders equaliser

Coleraine are still looking for their first win after a dramatic game at The Showgrounds finished 2-2 on Friday night.

In a very open first half both sides went close to breaking the deadlock. Shane Jennings looping header only found the roof of the net from Stephen Lowry’s centre on 21 minutes, while at the other end Gary McCutcheon’s blazed over Timmy Adamson’s knock down.

McCutcheon also struck an upright before Gareth Tommons tested Sean O’Neill with a close range effort just before half time. Coleraine did break the deadlock on 57 minutes though as Tommons header back across goal from Carson’s cross was headed in by Browne.

Coleraine did get the opener on 57 minutes though as Tommons header back across goal from Carson’s cross was headed in by Browne. The visitors responded as Caddell struck the cross bar from Morrow’s corner and Owens overhead follow up was blocked by Drummond.

The Crues grabbed an equaliser on 69 minutes as Adamson fired in from close range. Coleraine had disputed the free kick awarded against them in the build up and Canning was shown a red card for dissent in the aftermath.

In a frantic last 20 minutes Crusaders almost edged in front with two minutes to go, but Drummond denied Owens with a great save from close range.

It was Coleraine though when went back in front as substitute Harkin fired in a fabulous free kick from fully 35 yards on 91 minutes. But it wasn’t over just yet as the visitors went straight up the pitch and equalised as Owens headed in Heatley’s free kick.