They state that there is no place like home but in this case for the Bannsiders playing in the Showgrounds. This was a different story in a match marked by many controversies and ended even for both squads sharing the points.
For Coleraine playing hosts to third place Glenavon, this match was supposed to be a contested affair and for both squads looking forward to net a win that could help them make a move towards the league top currently held by leapfrogging Crusaders.
Despite the home field advantage and the Bannsiders keeping a close pace over the Hachetmen, today the Lurgan Blues played the hated role of spoilers after they visitors the score and silencing the Showgrounds crowds shortly.
Despite the resilience and fight shown by the Mourneview Aces, the outcome of the game took a turn for the worst as the visitors saw their manager dismissed by a red card. Seeing the same result in the 88-minute, as Glenavon’s starter Mark Sykes in the 88 minute.
Bad after noon the Lurgan Blues saw, after the fourth official sent off Glenavon manager Gary Hamilton, later awarding a doubtful penalty to the locals and claiming a two footed tackle to the locals Eion Bradley.
Despite Glenavon oddities with the game officials, at the end these persevered and stop several attempts to goal when their game hero goalkeeper Jonathan Tuffey.
As the visitors tried in vain of making, their mark in the host’s posts with Steven Murray and Mark Sykes intents, as well Sammy Clingan almost making a goal via a free kick. However in a corner play taken by Bobby Burns and Rhys Marshall header did not connect.
Defender Andy Hall found the golden moment to put the Lurgan Blues ahead in the 53 minute.
Still the game was not one sided, as the locals had their opportunities too, with a penalty kick awarded to Coleraine when Jamie McGonigle was brought down the area as Glenavon keeper rose to the occasion and stopped Ciaron Harkin shoot.
This opportunity missed by the Bannsiders and later a draw after their goal seven minutes later by Eion Bradley in the 60 to preserve the score after a wondrous performances by both squads goalkeepers in the end.
And despite the visitors having just ten men on the field, the Bannsiders could not capitalize and start a strong rally to put this one away and net what could been three points of gold.
With ten matches remaining in the campaign, for Coleraine these remaining left in the league calendar, if they would like to contend for the league top. One of their utmost of aims is to win all of the points in play as well in unity of a Crusader meltdown; the Bannsiders can claim the league shield.
Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of Coleraine FC and INPHO/Lorcan Doherty 2017
Photos Credit and Property of © 2017 Northern Ireland Football League
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