FOOTBALL: Draw for Academy Under-13's

The Bannsiders knew this would be a good test for them ahead of their debut National League Season.

It was Coleraine who looked the most dangerous in the opening exchanges with Curtis Rodgers and Michael Ireland terrorising the Carniny defence with their pace and link up play.

Carniny didn't really threaten Tom Hegan's goal until he unfortunately gifted them a goal by putting Josh Greene under pressure with a short pass on the edge of the box and the striker nipped in to score.

Three minutes later it was 2-0 as Coleraine failed to deal with a free kick in to their box which was fired home by the Carniny forward.

To their credit the wee Bannsiders didn't let their heads go down and they pulled a goal back in the second half after a great run and finish by Rodgers.

Coleraine were on top now and Jamie Nolan and Michael Ireland both went close to equalising. The leveller finally came from William Millar who powered home a header from a corner.

Coleraine almost snatched it at the end as both Lewis Ritchie and Joshua Waddell went close.

The team would like to thank William and Darren of Harte and Eakin Ltd for sponsoring the use of their mini bus for the day. "Thank you very much. Your support is much appreciated by Coleraine FC Academy U13`s coaching staff and players."

Meanwhile, junior members of the club travelled to Newtownabbey to take part in the Apex Tournament at the weekend. Coleraine FC were well represented with the U12 Community team finishing runners up in their group. Goal scorers were Andrew McClean (4), Issac Dunn and Alan Dunn.

Well done to all the players for their commitment and hard work throughout the long day. Special mention to captain Scott Torrens for his leadership and performance.

Coleraine FC Academy training sessions have resumed in preparation for the new season and they would like to invite footballers of all age groups to come along to the various venues and take their chance at becoming part of Coleraine FC.

This season, on top of the usual benefits associated with being an Academy member, players will have the opportunity to be selected to take part in an excellence programme which will lead by Davy Platt and his coaching staff.

Training times are as follows:

U17 (94's)and U16's (95's) Wednesday 8-9.30pm University Astro turf; U15's (97's) Thursday's 6-8.30pm Cresent all weather; U14's(97's) Wednesdays 6.15-8pm University grass; U13's (98's) Wednesdays 6-8pm University grass; U12's community (99's)Wednesday 6.15-8pm University AstroTurf; U11's (2000's) Wednesday 6pm - 8pm University grass; U9's (2002's) Wednesday 6-8pm Showgrounds grass.

Players should wear the appropriate footwear. Any amendments to these times will be posted on the academy website: colerainefcacademy.com.