Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
A CAULDRON OF AN ATMOSPHERE
IT was a case of Fortress Showgrounds as Darren Mccauley’s 17th goal of the season ensured Coleraine ended their home campaign on a high against derby rivals Ballymena United.
Mccauley’s 56th minute strike sealed a crucial win for Oran Kearney’s men who are the only club to remain unbeaten at home in the league this season.
Victory also keeps them on the heels of Crusaders, who stay top thanks to a superior goal difference of 22 goals.
Coleraine boss Oran Kearney: “We’re not going to overturn the goal deficit, so it was all about getting the three points and we managed to do that.
“It was a typical derby. We did create a lot of chances, but we probably missed that killer touch.”
The only downside for Coleraine was a straight red card for Josh Carson for a high challenge on United sub Willie Faulkner.
The Bannmen conclude their Premiership campaign with games at Linfield and Glenavon.
Elsewhere in Section A, Andy Mitchell bagged a brace as Glenavon climbed into third with a 3-1 win over 10-man Cliftonville at Solitude.
The Reds lost Jamie Mcgovern to a red card in the build up to Andy Mcgrory’s 66th minute opener from the spot, before Mitchell made it 2-0 two minutes later
Joe Gormley pulled one back for Cliftonville, before Mitchell put the game to bed soon after.