IRISH LEAGUE FULL-TIME VERDICT: Everything you need to know from Coleraine 1 Limavady United 0
Coleraine banked their sixth successive Premiership success after a slender 1-0 victory against Limavady United at The Showgrounds.
TOP RATED
COLERAINE: Dylan Boyle was recalled to the Bannsiders’ starting eleven after being a used substitute in the midweek victory against Glentoran. The midfielder provided the assist for Joel Cooper’s opener but also put in an accomplished performance in the defensive side of the game.
LIMAVADY UNITED: Tiarnan Boorman put in a courageous performance in the heart of the back four for Paul Owens’ men. Time and time again the former Coleraine trainee managed to block shots and get in the way of things. Very unlucky to be on the losing side.
BIG MOMENT
Limavady United were content to allow Coleraine to have possession as the Bannsiders had to be patient in order to make the breakthrough. However, it arrived in fine style just before the break when Dylan Boyle released the run of Joel Cooper and managed to squeeze the ball past Marty Gallagher and into the net.
MATCH STATS
29: YELLOW – (Limavady United) – Mullan
42: YELLOW – (Coleraine) Cooper
45: GOAL – (Coleraine) Cooper
Coleraine have had to be patient but their lead comes as Dylan Boyle’s sublime pass finds Joel Cooper and he arrows beyond Martin Gallagher.
H-T: Coleraine 1 Limavady United 0
HT SUB – (Limavady United) Duffy replaces P. Lowry.
61: SUBS – (Coleraine) Henderson and Wylie replace McGregor and Devine
70: SUBS – (Limavady United) Riley and Jarvis replace Mullan and Carlin
74: SUB – (Coleraine) Shevlin replaces Brooks
85: SUB – (Coleraine) Kane replaces Doherty
F:T: Coleraine 1 Limavady United 0
COLERAINE: Webb, Boyle, Stewart, McGregor (Henderson, 61), Patching, Cooper, Ives, Wilson, Brooks (Shevlin, 74), Devine (Wylie, 61), Doherty (Kane, 85).
Subs Not Used: Schofield (GK), McDonald, Tonks.
LIMAVADY UNITED: Gallagher, Farren, T. Boorman, P. Lowry (Duffy, 46), R. Boorman, Butcher, Brown, Wilson, Mullan (Riley, 70), Carlin (Jarvis, 70), Boyd.
Subs Not Used: Doherty (GK), Tosh, Lafferty, Rankin.
Referee: Mark Dillon
TALKING POINTS
There was bemusement from the crowd when host team Coleraine came out wearing the club’s away kit – despite being the home kit. The News Letter understands that Limavady’s white away kit still clashed with Coleraine’s home blue and white top, with the Bannsiders changing to purple.
Limavady travelled to The Showgrounds with their numbers limited as Jamie McGonigle and Alfie Gaston were unable to play against their parent club, with Stephen Lowry suspended. It meant their attacking intent was greatly reduced as they failed to overly trouble Lewis Webb across the 90 minutes.
Coleraine would have certainly liked to have added a second goal to allow for some breathing room but it didn’t happen despite enjoying all the possession and territory. You can’t always be great and Higgins will just be relieved his side recorded maximum points.
SPECIAL MENTION
COLERAINE: Cameron Stewart was almost like a quarterback for the Bannsiders as they enjoyed that much possession against Paul Owens’ side. The centre-back had a lot of the ball and tried to get Coleraine up the pitch to start attacks. He also helped the league leaders keep a clean sheet.
LIMAVADY UNITED: Ronan Wilson had the task of man-marking influential figure Will Patching. The versatile Wilson – who had a spell at Coleraine as a player – put in a tireless performance as he kept a close eye on the Bannsiders’ midfield ace.