BANN RELISH FEATS OF STEPHEN

COLERAINE’S title charge received a huge boost yesterday with the capture of former Derry City winger Stephen Dooley.

The pacy midfielder, who was a member of Cork City’s double winning squad last season, has agreed a six month contract with the option of a further year.

Boss Oran Kearney was understandably “ecstatic” to wrap up a deal for Dooley who is now in his third spell with the Showgrounds club.

The 26-year-old, who will be available in January, made his Coleraine debut in 2007/08 and also spent time on a scholarship with Loyola Maryland in the USA.

Ahead of today’s home clash with Dungannon, Kearney said: “We have kept close contact with Stephen and he is the perfect fit for what we are looking for.

“He is a local lad and has always supported Coleraine so he wouldn’t play for any other Irish League club.

“He has just finished his season with Cork so he needs an appropriate break to ensure we protect him before we integrate him into the squad.”

Dooley’s imminent arrival bolsters the attacking options for a Coleraine side riding high in the Danske Bank Premiership.

The Bannmen, who have lost just one of their 18 league outings, lie six points clear of Crusaders and Glenavon who both have a game in hand.

Today’s opponents Dungannon, who suffered a 3-1 defeat to Coleraine on the opening day of the campaign, lost narrowly 1-0 to champions Linfield at Windsor Park last week.