Coleraine Reserves win Craig Memorial Cup

COLERAINE Reserves defied the odds yet again this season as they fought back from a goal down to win the Craig Memorial Cup on Saturday.
Coleraine Reserves celebrate after winning the Craig Memorial Cup following their penalty shoot-out victory over Moyola Park on Saturday.Coleraine Reserves celebrate after winning the Craig Memorial Cup following their penalty shoot-out victory over Moyola Park on Saturday.
Coleraine Reserves celebrate after winning the Craig Memorial Cup following their penalty shoot-out victory over Moyola Park on Saturday.

Johnny Law’s young side found themselves 1-0 down at half time after Steven Kenning struck to give Moyola Park the lead just before the break.

But as has been the case so often this season the Bannsiders second string showed the never say die spirit after the restart, which has saw them claim several senior scalps this term.

Coleraine were by far the better side in the second half as they upped the pressure on the Championship Two outfit. And it finally paid off in the 70th minute as Craig Moore latched on to a long ball from defence and lobbed the ball into the net.

The Bannsiders pushed hard to win the game in normal time. Stuart Glasgow drew a great save out of Moyola keeper Farnick from distance. Hugo Batista was next to try his luck but his superb effort somehow stayed after crashing off the underside of the bar.

Right at the death though Moyola almost snatched the win but Dowie’s header sailed just wide of the target.

The game headed into extra time but neither side could find that elusive goal so it was on to penalties. Glasgow, Moore and Campbell all converted for the Reserves with Moyola only recording one successful kick. Their last effort came back off the post to cues jubilant scenes for Law’s young charges.

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