Irish Cup - Semi-Final | Ballymena V Coleraine

Words: Nigel Tilson

S T E P H E N O ' D O N N E L L

The form guide prior to lockdown would point to Coleraine having things their own way against the Sky Blues in the Irish Cup semi-final. E S K I P P E R

over the last couple of seasons and the boys have experienced both Irish Cup and League Cup finals recently. “I think this gives us the platform to look past the significance of the game and focus on our own individual performances and try to do our own jobs well throughout the game.” He admits he will miss the fans’ support during the big game but hopes the team can deliver for them. “The fans have been brilliant again this season. We have all missed Saturdays and football at the Showgrounds throughout lockdown. We have been working really hard to get ready for this game. Hopefully we can reward the fans by getting to another Irish Cup final and end a great season for the club on a high.” Premiership new boys Larne provided the opposition in the last eight and it was a real ding-dong affair at Inver Park. Larne dominated the opening 45 minutes and took the lead when Coleraine defender Lyndon Kane inadvertently headed a Martin Donnelly free-kick into his own net. Bradley and fellow striker James McLaughlin were much more effective after the break with Bradley teeing up McLaughlin for a smart finish on 54 minutes. Larne edged in front again when Jeff Hughes headed in a Donnelly free-kick before Coleraine levelled through a Stephen Lowry penalty, awarded after John Herron had handled the ball in the penalty area. The game looked to be heading into extra-time when Bradley produced the goods once more. With three minutes remaining the veteran striker turned his marker and drilled a low shot past Larne stopper Conor Devlin to seal a 3-2 win.

But Bannsiders captain Stephen O’Donnell believes it counts for little given that it’s a derby clash and both teams are returning to competitive football after a lengthy absence. He said: “Ballymena are a good side and the derby is always a tough game to play in, but one that we always enjoy. Their league form does not represent the full quality they have in their side and we will need to be in top form to beat them. “Both Adam Lecky and Cathair Friel have the quality to change games and for us it will be important that we try and limit their influence on the game.” He does, however, feel the Coleraine squad will give it their best shot come kick-off. The skipper said: “I feel as a group we are in a good position to compete and play well in big games. We’ve been involved in a number of big games A hard fought win at Mourneview Park kick-started Coleraine’s Irish Cup campaign this season. The 2-0 fifth round victory came courtesy of goals from Jamie Glackin and Eoin Bradley. Glackin pounced in the ninth minute. Ian Parkhill fed Bradley who in turn slipped a pass to Glackin and he calmly slotted the ball home. Glenavon’s Josh Daniels headed against the bar before Coleraine settled it 15 minutes from time. Bradley picked up a loose ball and nipped past the keeper before sweeping it into the net. Premier Intermediate League side Banbridge Town were the visitors to the Showgrounds in the sixth round and they were comfortably beaten by the Bannsiders. Coleraine took the lead early on. Glackin’s corner was met by Aaron Canning and his header nestled in the net. Substitute Emmet McGuckin grabbed two goals as Coleraine coasted to a 3-0 victory. He produced a neat finish for his first and then swept home his second 11 minutes from the end. THE STORY SO FAR

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