Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Bann boss delighted but Blues are furious
COLERAINE boss Oran Kearney yesterday hailed his team after this controversial win at the Ballycastle Road Showgrounds.
Jamie McGonigle grabbed a late winner, but it was a goal that Linfield vigorously disputed, claiming the ball never crossed the line.
Blues boss David Healy’s protests resulted in him being sent from the dugout by referee Arnold Hunter (inset).
The top of the table clash appeared to be drifting for a draw after Linfield’s Mark Haughey had cancelled out Brad Lyons’ opener.
But with the clock ticking down, McGonigle managed to squeeze in a shot from a tight angle. The Coleraine man immediately celebrated a goal, but the Linfield players were adamant the ball hadn’t crossed the line.
A delighted Kearney said: “My angle was not good for
Jamie’s winner, but
I’ve saw a clip of it, it is very tight, it’s inconclusive.”
Kearney was dealt a blow even before kick-off as striker Eoin Bradley was ruled out due to injury. Joe McCreadie was handed a starting slot.
Niall Quinn almost achieved an early breakthrough for the visitors with a well struck free that was superbly saved by goalkeeper Chris Johns.
The game erupted just before the break when Andy Waterworth was hauled down by Stephen O’Donnell as the big striker raced through on goal.
The defender was fortunate referee Hunter issued only a yellow card instead of red – and also awarded a free kick instead of a penalty.
Coleraine, unbeaten this season, forged ahead on 54 minutes. Ciaron Harkin’s free kick picked out Lyons and his header flashed past Roy Carroll.
But the battling Blues came roaring back. Kirk Millar whipped in a teasing corner kick on 64 minutes and big Mark Haughey climbed highest to head the Blues level.
However, the drama didn’t end there. As both teams looked have settled for a draw, McGonigle broke away to squeeze a shot past Carroll and, even though Josh Robinson got back to hoof the ball clear, referee Hunter still awarded the goal, much to the delight of the home fans.
It was Coleraine’s first home league win over the Blues for five years.