Match Report

This match started 25 minutes late, due to an oil spill on the Westlink, which delayed the Coleraine team’s arrival, but it did not upset the Whites who started where they left off against Dungannon on Wednesday night, on top. They created a number of chances, one of which, McQuillan cracked against the crossbar, another was only inches wide, after Willis hit a screamer from the right. The pressure told in the 28th minute, when Crawford put Dickson away on the right, and his near post cross was glanced home by Willis, to give the Whites a deserved lead. For all their continued pressure the Whites could not find the finishing that their play deserved, and they went in at the break with a slender 1-0 lead.

The second half was only minutes old when the Coleraine side equalised, after sloppy marking in the defence. Undaunted, the Whites continued to play good football and got their reward when Willis slid the ball through to Johnston, who slotted the ball home from 12 yards out. Then Johnston got a straight red for tramping on a Coleraine players foot, a harsh decision as he tried to get the ball back, from a Coleraine player, who had no intention of giving it back.

This did not upset the Whites, as five minutes later they went further in front when Crawford scored a goal his play deserved. Then more problems for the Whites, when Dickson was fouled on the by-line, he grabbed the offending player by they legs, and the Coleraine player threw a few punches in his direction, result, both players sent off. Again the Whites refused to be disturbed and Crawford scored with a super volley, after Willis crossed from a wide position.

 

Managers Comments

Sometimes when first team players drop down to the reserves, they do not always put the effort in, but today the three players in question, Dougherty, Willis, and Dickson did not fall into this category. Dougherty was competent and alert when required, Dickson provided some telling crosses, and for my money Willis was man of the match, with his tireless work, especially when he filled in for Johnston in the middle of the park. The rest of the team did their bit as the Reserves continue their good run of form, which will be put to the test next Saturday, when they travel to Donegal Celtic in a Steel and Sons cup game. Who knows what they can achieve with the confidence they have found from their last five games, four wins and a draw.

David Taylor