Coleraine slump to third straight defeat

Dungannon Swifts took a giant step towards Premiership survival as Coleraine slumped to a third straight defeat.
It just got worse - Oran Kearney


photo:Derek SimpsonIt just got worse - Oran Kearney


photo:Derek Simpson
It just got worse - Oran Kearney photo:Derek Simpson

A late, late goal from Andrew Mitchell secured a much-needed three points for the Tyrone side.

He struck with a close-range finish after the goalkeeper was unable to hold a shot from Terry Fitzpatrick.

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A miserable night for Coleraine was completed when Neil McCafferty was sent off in stoppage time.

In a poor game, It took 23 minutes for the first chance of note. Jamie Glackin and Douglas Wilson combined to tee up Abby Sanusi, but he fired wide.

Moments later Coleraine almost went ahead as McCafferty tried his luck with a volley from just outside the box.

However, goalkeeper Andy Coleman was alert to the danger and tipped the ball over.

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Towards the end of the half a corner from Matt Hazley picked out Gary Liggett, who rifled a low strike just wide of the target.

Coleraine’s hopes were then dealt a blow when Brad Lyons took a knock, with Ian Parkhill drafted from the bench.

The second half saw Dungannon up the pressure as they searched for a breakthrough.

Hazley sent a first-time effort narrowly over when well placed, then moments later substitute Andrew Mitchell wasted their best chance thus far.

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He was played through but, under pressure from a defender, he fired off target.

Ruaidhri Higgins went close from a free-kick before flashing an effort narrowly wide from the edge of the box.

Another Hazley set-piece also had to be turned wide by the Coleraine goalkeeper as the deadlock continued.

But, with seconds remaining, Mitchell struck, firing home after Fitzpatrick’s shot was spilled to spark wild celebrations.

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DGN SWIFTS: Coleman, Burns, Wilson, Armstrong, O’Rourke, Sanusi (Mitchell, 58), Harpur, Fitzpatrick, Hazley, Glackin (McCullough, 90), Liggett

Subs not used: Brennan, S Lavery, Hutchinson

COLERAINE: Findlay, Watt, McNeill, Canning, Ogilby, Lyons (Parkhill, 42), McCafferty, Higgins, McCauley, Harkin (McGonigle, 84), Snoddy

Subs not used: Douglas, Mullan, Stewart