Keeper Brennan inspires spectacular Whites’ comeback

LISBURN Distillery boss John Cunningham praised the performance of goalkeeper Billy Brennan after a crucial 3-1 Carling Premiership win at New Grosvenor against Coleraine.

The keeper produced a remarkable reflex save early in the second half to deny Coleraine’s Michael Hegarty what could have been a match-winning strike.

Coleraine were already 1-0 up from an Andy Hunter own goal, but Brennan’s save inspired a superb Whites revival.

Second half goals from Mark Cooling, Gary Liggett and Scott Davidson earned three vital points in the battle agianst relagation.

Boss Cunningham said of Brennan: “He was fantastic throughout – his handling and his distribution were first class. And, the save was crucial – we could have gone 2-0 down. Perhaps, there would have been no way back for us after that.”

The Bannsiders had gone into the lead seconds before the break when striker Aaron Boyd tried his luck from distance. The ball ricocheted off Hunter’s boot and in at the far post.

Hegarty could have doubled the lead on 52 minutes, but Brennan pushed the midfielder’s effort over the crossbar.

Within four minutes, the Whites were level.

Jordan Hughes outpaced defender John Watt, who sent the midfielder tumbling inside the box. Cooling made no mistake from the spot.

Liggett then struck six minutes from time.

Hughes again was the provider and the big striker hit his 21st goal of the season.

Substitute Davidson eased any last minute worries two minutes later, hammering the ball past Doherty.

It was Distillery’s first home win since December 31 when they beat Carrick Rangers 3-1.

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