Coleraine start with a win

Neil McCafferty was on target against Moyola Park. Picture by Brian Little/Presseye

New signings Sammy Morrow, Rodney Brown and Garth Falconer all started the game for the Bannsiders at Mill Meadow.

The returning Morrow was involved in the visitors best chance of the opening 3o minutes as his clever turn and pass released the marauding Lyndon Kane down the right, he picked out Howard Beverland with a decent cross, but the skipper’s volley was pushed away by Farniok.

The deadlock was finally broken on 39 minutes as he was upended in the box following a neat turn. Up stepped last season’s top scorer, Neil McCafferty, to duly fire home from the spot.

As the second half started numerous changes were made by the visitors as the flow of play continued towards the Moyola goal. Ruairi Harkin and Darren McCauley both added to the Bannsiders’ forward impetus, whilst Glenn Law was tidy in possession.

On 68 minutes Law linked up with Kane allowing the fullback to send a low cross into the host’s 18 yard box. Rodney Brown collected the pass but his drilled shot was spectacularly turned away by Moyola keeper Farniok.

The hosts came close to grabbing a goal of their own on 72 minutes as Beverland was robbed of possession and Dowie was sent clear, but the striker pulled his shot wide of the target.

Coleraine wrapped up the win on 82 minutes as Falconer, who replaced the injured Brad Lyons, collected the ball before firing home from 25 yards.

Coleraine will now continue their preseason build-up by travelling to play Limavady United on Saturday 11 July (KO 3pm).

Coleraine: Doherty, Kane, Falconer (Mullan), Douglas (Higgins), Ogilby (Canning), Beverland, McCafferty (Law), Lyons (Falconer), Brown, Morrow (Harkin), McGonigle (McCauley).