Disappointing result for Riada at Coleraine Crues

Both sides still have genuine aspirations of winning the league or at least running the likes of Kilrea and Portrush close so the game was a vital one for both clubs. Crues were missing the influential Brian Tosh and Ricky Close through suspension and Riada were missing midfielder Stephen McCook through the same fate.

Riada started well and frustrated the home side restricting them to long balls and shots from distance. There was very little between the teams in the first thirty minutes and chances were at a premium. Riada then threatened first with Christie in on goal on the left side of the box but Doey in the the Crues goal smothered well at his feet. Graur then ran clear on the right and was bearing down on goal when the experienced Stephen Tosh got back in the make a vital last ditch tackle. McAleese was then set clear for Riada on the stroke of half time but his lofted effort was expertly saved and tipped over the bar by Doey.

Coleraine Crusaders started the second half like a house on fire taking the game you Riada from the off and quickly moved in front when a pin point ball into the box from the right wing found the dangerous Hutchinson who sneaked between Duffy and Smyth before delicately finishing past the onrushing McGaughey in the Riada goal. Crusaders them went two in front when a cross come shot from wide on the right caught McGaughey out in the Riada goal who was also maybe hampered by the elements with the wind blowing in his face and the sun in his eyes, McGaughey catching the ball before falling back and carrying it over his line and into the net. Hutchinson then fired wide for the home side and then missed in somewhat comedic circumstances hitting the bar from yard out, the ball actually coming back off the woodwork hitting the striker and going to safety. Riada struggled to create anything late on and never really looked like getting back into the game with the Crues holding out well and probably looking the more likely to score again.

Final score Coleraine Crusaders 2-0 Riada.