FOOTBALL: Bannsiders land inaugural Stena Line Challenge Cup

COLERAINE boss David Platt hailed his side's efforts as they lifted the first piece of silverware of the season.

It may be only pre-season, but Platt was pleased with the contribution of his players as they returned home with the Stena Line Challenge Cup following the two-day tournament in Stranraer.

"It was a very worthwhile exercise," Platt told Times Sport on Monday.

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"Not only did it get all the guys together ahead of the new season, but all the players got game time under their belts, which is so important at this stage.

"We played some good stuff in the two games, against some tough opposition.

"But we're not kidding ourselves, we know we're still off the pace that's required come the start of the league.

"But as I said it was good to get the games and get in to that winning habit again."

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The Bannsiders won both games against juniors Glenafton Athletic and host club Stranraer in front of almost 300 travelling Coleraine fans.

They beat Glenafton 4-0 on the Saturday before hitting another four against Stranraer in a thrilling seven goal finale.

Striker Sammy Morrow bagged another three goals on the trip, before limping out of the action early on Sunday.

Platt though played down any concerns about his fitness.

"Sammy felt a bit tight before the game and the longer the half went on the tighter it became," he said.

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"So we took the precaution of taking him off before it got any worse. But it's not something I'm overly concerned about, he should be okay for the games later this week.

"We also lost young Garrett Quinn, who along with Stewart Millar had an impressive weekend.

"So we had to shuffle things about after the two lads went off against Stranraer and it took us a wee bit of time to adjust.

"But all credit to the lads they dug in and showed their resolve and just got on with the job they had been asked to do.

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"We also withdrew Johnny Harkness after his hamstring tightened up.

"Johnny featured in all three games last week and I think it caught up with him.

"But I'm sure the fans saw his qualities in the games he played. It was good to have a natural left back in there.

"There are an awful lot of positives to take out of the trip, but we all know that there's also a lot of hard work still to be done."