Under-11s through in NIBFA Cup

From the outset the team played some fantastic football with captain Scott McDonald the outstanding player on the pitch. Scott displayed a tremendous range of passing throughout the game and this enabled the other Academy players the time and space to demonstrate the pass and move football for which they are renowned.

The goals were scored by Charlie O’Neill, Brett Downey (2), Luke McElfatrick (2) and Ben Moore but each of the goals were the result of a real team effort in the buildup play. The teamwork, communication and determination shown by every Coleraine player was highly commendable and was complimented upon afterwards by both neutrals and opposition alike. Well done boys!

Man of the Match: Scott McDonald.

Coleraine: Brennan Hulbert, Jack Rodden, Ben Doherty, Scott Simpson, Ben Moore, Jamie Stewart, Adam Hanson, Cameron Stewart, Scott McDonald, Luke McElfatrick,Charlie O’Neill, Brett Downey, Stuart Wallace, Richard Lockhart, Jude Twigg, Joseph Dallas, Robbie Moon.

Under-13s

Coleraine welcomed Cookstown to the Crescent in the National League. From the whistle Cookstown put a bit of pressure on the Bannsiders and on five minutes they hit the bar with a fine strike. This acted as a wake up call to Coleraine who then started to play some fluent football and soon chances came as Casey O’Hara hit the cross bar from a nice shot.

Coleraine`s dominance paid off with some wonderful play leading to the opening goal. James Richmond intercepted in the middle of the park and he spread the ball to Clarke at left back, he pushed the ball wide to O’Hara who found Kori Doherty in the box who still had lots to do, but he cut inside two defenders got free to slide a shot under the keeper.

Cookstown’s pacey forward got in behind the defence but Josh Dunn was sharp off the line to save low to his left. From this Coleraine were now in control playing wonderful football and doubled the lead when Rhys Ferris got onto O’Kane`s through pass and Ferris lifted the ball over the keeper to score. Before the break a lapse in concentration saw Cookstown pull a goal back.

The second half was similar to the first Coleraine knocking on the door but not finding the goal to make this game safe. The midfield dominating proceedings throughout with fluent football entertaining the large crowd of parents and onlookers. Kori Doherty went close again with a brilliant solo effort cutting between two defenders but his strike was saved.

The impressive Scott Weir had a couple of shots from range but Coleraine saw the game out until the whistle to record another win in 2013 well done lads another encouraging win keep the hard work going in the second half of the season.

Under-15s Community Team

Coleraine Under-15’s suffered their first defeat of the season when they went down 2-1 to Berties. Despite a very poor pitch Coleraine started well, dominating the early play and having the opposition pinned in their own half. However Coleraine didn’t take advantage by putting the ball in the net. A series of corners saw Coleraine come close but it was Berties who took the lead with their only chance of the half.

The second half followed the same pattern with Coleraine pressing. Berties however doubled the lead when they scored from a free kick. Coleraine pressed hard but Berties continued to play with eight men behind the ball and Coleraine found it difficult to break them down. McCook pulled one back with ten minutes to go with a well taken lob over the keeper.

Despite the continuous pressure Berties held out and the final score finished 2-1. Having had 75% of possession and numerous chances it shows how cruel football can be when the opposition have two chances all game and score both. Man of the Match: Michael Ireland.