The Leader - Sports - Bannsiders beat nine-man Ballymena

Sports

Bannsiders beat nine-man Ballymena

Thursday, 28 January 2010

COLERAINE took the three points after a 3-1 victory over their old adversaries Ballymena United at The Showgrounds on Tuesday evening.
Darren Boyce, Stephen Carson and Stephen Dooley were on target in this fixture which had been postponed from Boxing Day.
Coleraine made a great start to the game, racing into the lead with only two minutes on the clock when Rory Patterson put Boyce through on the left flank. As he cut in to shoot O'Neill raced out to smother the ball, but fumbled it straight back to Boyce who stroked the ball home.
Ballymena had chances to level the game when Kelbie drew O'Hare out before crossing for Surgenor in the middle, who miscued his shot and hit it well off target. He almost made up for his error soon after, but this time O'Hare made a superb save, diving to his left to tip the ball behind for a corner. Aaron Stewart stabbed the ball wide in a goalmouth scramble as they pushed for a leveller.
Rory Patterson had a more subdued game following his goal scoring exploits on Saturday at Seaview, however, he did attempt to get his name on the scoresheet with a volley which O'Neill got his body behind and saved.
Patterson was then involved in a moment of controversy when he was fouled by Ballymena's Chris Ramsey leading to referee Alan Black producing a straight red card to the surprise of many.
Coleraine started to take charge of the game as Patterson crossed low into the box only for Watson to slice the ball clear. O'Neill then made an excellent save to deny Patterson again and Carson crossed to loose ball into the box and Boyce poked the ball wide.
The second half began with the visitors putting Coleraine under pressure and creating several good chances. With the Coleraine defence caught square, Kelbie nipped in behind and headed for goal, however it bounced away and was cleared. O'Hare then made an excellent save from Cushley, while Philip Carson shot wide and Haveron wasted a free header from a free kick right in the corner.