Bradley double edges Coleraine into semis

COLERAINE ensured that they were in the hat for the semi-final draw of the Eventsec North West Cup after a 2-1 win over Dergview at the Showgrounds.

The first-half was a tale of two penalties as the visitors failed to convert from the spot, Coleraine keeper Rory Brown making an excellent stop to thwart Adam Buchanan’s effort.

On the stroke of half-time, Coleraine scored as Eoin Bradley (right) powered in from 12 yards to give the home side the lead at the interval.

The visitors started the second half on the front foot and grabbed an equaliser on 54 minutes as Buchanan made amends to fire into the bottom corner.

This sparked Coleraine into life and they rattled the post on the hour mark through Paul Owens’ free-kick.

The match would be decided by another spot kick as Bradley was tumbled inside the area. The big striker kept his calm to dispatch the penalty beyond the reach of Tom Hegan.

Both sides had chances late on but Paul Smith couldn’t find the net for Dergview, with Hegan on call to deny Caleb Wan at the other end.

The Bannsiders are joined by Ballinamallard United in the next round as they coasted to a 5-1 win over Ardstraw at Ferney Park. Goals from Ross Taheny, Duwayne McManus and David Elliot had the Ducks well on their way in the first-half, before adding two goals against 10-man Ardstraw in the second-half.

There was no such joy for Limavady as Sean Friars’ side had their game against Moyola Park abandoned at the Limavady Showgrounds.

The Roesiders had the half-time lead through Oran McConnell but floodlight failure means the two sides will have to lock horns at a further date. The game of the night was at Seahaven as Portstewart and Institute played out a eight-goal thriller on the North Coast.

Paddy McLaughlin’s Institute booked their place in the hat for the semi-final draw after triumphing 6-2.