ACADEMY: Cup heartache for Under 12's

THERE was heartbreak for Coleraine Under-12's on Saturday as they went down 2-1 to Institute in the NW League Cup final in front of a bumper crowd at Limavady Showgrounds

Coleraine knew it would be a tough game against a 'Stute side who are top of the league.

The Academy started the game in a 3-5-2 formation and dominated the midfield battle with wide men Joshua McGregor and Jamie Ellis finding lots of space on the big Limavady pitch. Four minutes in Patrick Gault was put through, one on one with the keeper, before being brought down just outside the box.

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From the set piece Alex Platt's shot was blocked, Patrick Gault's effort was saved by the keeper, but it came back off the post for post for Curtis Rodgers to tap home.

Coleraine kept on the pressure and they were awarded another free kick just outside the box, which Jamie Ellis curled over the wall but agonisingly just wide of the goal.

Coleraine started the second half well with Curtis Rodgers drawing a fine save from the Stute keeper. Alex Platt rifled a shot towards the goal from the edge of the box but another fantastic save again from the keeper denied him.

With the clock ticking down Coleraine conceded a corner they didn't deal with the set piece and the ball was bundled into the net to take the game into extra time.

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Both teams had chances in extrat time but failed to take them. Just when it looked as though the game was heading for penalties 'Stute popped up with the winner to break Coleraine hearts.

With no time to respond Coleraine were beaten with this last gasp goal in a game from which they deserved much more.

But well done to Institute for continuing to battle to the last in normal time and extra time scoring both of their goals so late on.

Man of the Match: Joshua Greene.

U16's

There was disappointment for the Under-16's too as they went down 2-1 to Armagh City in the final of the Mid Unlster Shield.

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Coleraine started the brighter of the two teams and took the play to Armagh. On 13 minutes a neat one touch passing move between Ryan Campbell, Scott McCann and Craig Moore saw McCann slot a neat pass through to Moore who rifled home an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net.

The young Bannsiders continued to take the game to Armagh but rode their luck on two occasions when quick counter attacks saw the Coleraine post being rattled on each occasion. Shortly before half time an Armagh corner appeared to be well cleared by Danny Dillon but a speculative shot bounced off the hard ground. McAllister did well to stop it but the rebound off his chest saw an in running forward fire it into the net to level the score.

The second half once again saw Coleraine attack with Healy and McNeill going close. The deciding goal came about when a long punt up the field saw McAllister race off his line to clear outside the box when somehow the ball ran under his feet to leave the simplest of tap in for the Armagh forward.

Despite the introduction of Birkbey and Lindsay, Coleraine could not find a way through a very stubborn Armagh defence.

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Speaking after the match John Ferguson said: "I'm disappointed for the boys we deserved more from the game."

Coach Stevie McCann added: "It has been the same all season we make mistakes and teams punish us, unfortunately we don't do the same to them. I was pleased with the performance and the effort from them all today but the result was disappointing."

Soccer School

The Academy would like to remind parents and guardians there will be no Soccer School this Saturday, 15 May, it will be back to normal the following week.