Young Reserves lose battle at Ballyskeagh

Aaron Forgrave introduced two young Academy stars to his side for the clash, Harry Shaw and Jordan O'Neill and the Reserves boss was pleased with their display.

"We had a very young team out on Saturday," said Aaron.

"Both Harry and Jordan came up from the Academy squads and they both played very well. It's a big learning curve for them, but they are bright young prospects."

Ruairi Quinn, playing only his second game for the Reserves opened the scoring for Coleraine after 35 minutes. His powerful header separated the sides until three minutes before the break when Distillery's Austin Friel equalised.

Friel was on target again early in the second half, as his goal put the home side in front.

Coleraine missed chances from Karl Steele, Vinny Heneghan and Sam Boylan while at the other end Laurence McCormick pulled of a number of good saves to keep the score at 2-1.

"I felt that we deserved at least a draw, " admitted Aaron.

"There were some great performances on the day. Our goal keeper Laurence McCormick was outstanding, he pulled of some good saves, and set a good example to the younger lads, he talked to them throughout the game, and that really helps the younger boys settle," said Aaron.

"Austin Friel, a first team player for Distillery got their two goals, and he commented on how young our team was.

"I can't complain about the commitment of the players, they battled right till the end, and that's all we can ask of them."

Aaron thanked first team goalkeeper Davey O'Hare who donated money to the Reserves team for their Man of the Match award. Ruairi Quinn was the winner this week.

Coleraine Reserves face fourth placed Portadown Reserves this Saturday at Coleraine Showgrounds (2pm).

COLERAINE: McCormick, O'Neill, Millikan, Steele, Shaw, Wilson, Heneghan, Quinn, Millar, Carlyle, Turner. Subs: Doherty, Boylan, Patterson.

BY NICHOLA FORGRAVE