FOOTBALL: Newry beat understrength Coleraine

Alan Davidson's 94th-minute winner sealed a dramatic 3-2 win for the Bordermen at the Showgrounds.

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The triumph – their first in the league since January 20 - is a massive three points for Gerry Flynn's side in their quest for Carling Premiership survival this season.

It sees them secure a healthy five-point cushion over basement club Institute who they also boast a game in hand over, and move three ahead of Lisburn Distillery.

Newry took the lead on two occasions with goals from Paul Keenan and Davidson last night, but twice Coleraine hit back courtesy of a brace from Richard Gibson.

But with the game appearing destined for stalemate, Davidson provided the grandstand finish with a late winner.

Newry's joy was evident at the final whistle, while for Coleraine the pain of defeat shouldn't be that bitter.

The Bannsiders are already cemented in seventh spot in the Premiership standings, a position they are likely to remain in come the end of the season.

David Platt's men also have bigger fish to fry in the Irish Cup in three days' time, with Linfield lying in wait in an epic semi-final showdown which could make-or-break their quest for major silverware this season.

The seismic challenge against the Blues was perhaps evident in Platt's team selection last night.

The Bannsiders boss made a total of nine changes from Saturday's Irish Cup quarter-final win over Newry.

The only survivors were Marc Mukendi and Aaron Canning, with influential pairing Stephen Carson and Rory Patterson rested on the bench.

Newry were gifted their opening goal in the 18th minute following a howler from Coleraine's debut defender Stuart Millar.

Millar's attempted backward header was intercepted by the alert Garrett, and after skipping past Davy O'Hare he picked out Keenan in the middle who shot high into the net.

Coleraine almost committed defensive suicide again in the 36th minute when Paddy McLaughlin's weak chest-back forced O'Hare into a last-ditch save at the feet of Garrett.

The Bannsiders were back in the game three minutes before the break when Gibson slotted home from the penalty spot.

The striker was brought down by Feeney inside the box, but dusted himself down to send Andy Coleman the wrong way to level the scores.

The second half was brought to life with two goals in the space of four minutes.

Newry struck first with Davidson scoring from an acute angle in the 49th minute after taking advantage of a slip from Marc Mukendi before slotting past O'Hare from an acute angle.

The visitors' joy was short-lived, however, as Coleraine hit back four minutes later when Gibson bagged his second of the night.

Newry failed to deal with a looping ball into the box, and as it bounced over a couple of defenders Gibson flicked a header over Coleman and into the far corner of the net.

Despite the early fireworks to the second half the game failed to spark into life.

But with time running out, Newry midfielder Davidson latched onto an innocuous looking through ball to rush through on goal before slotting comfortably past O'Hare.

COLERAINE: O'Hare, Hegarty (Beverland 58), Millar (Carson 69), McLaughlin, Tolan, Watt, Mukendi, Tommons, Gibson (Patterson 64), Canning, Lowry.

Subs not used: Boylan, McCormick.

NEWRY: Coleman, Feeney, Munster, McDonnell, King, Ferguson (Rowe 58), Henderson, Davidson, Black, Keenan (Graham76), Garrett.

Subs not used: Devlin, Keegan, Boyd.

Referee: Ross Dunlop (Carrickfergus)