Report By Glenn Kelly
Coleraine moved up to sixth in the Danske Bank Irish Premiership with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Crusaders at the Showgrounds.
On a wet and frosty evening on the north coast neither side sparked to life on what turned into a rather tepid affair. Following a cagey start it was the hosts who broke the deadlock in the 12th minute when Aaron Jarvis headed home. Jarvis turned provider for the Coleraine’s second, crossing for Evan McLauglin to steer home.
Both sides made changes to their lineups, Coleraine were in action only 72 hours ago in their cup semi-final, whereas Crusaders made three changes from the side that defeated Glentoran last Saturday, including the first start for Josh Robinson in defence since his horrific facial injury back in September.
The visitors would have started the game confidently, given they came away 2-1 winners from the Showgrounds just last month. However Odhran Kearney’s men had other ideas.
Neither side started with the drive witnessed in recent weeks, leading to a low-key first 10 minutes. However, the game opened up in the 12th minute. Josh Carson struck a fantastic free kick which struck the Crusaders cross-bar, the rebound landed in front of Jarvis who made no mistake heading home from six yards out.
Coleraine began to get the upper hand throughout the remainder of the first half and could have had a second in the 25th minute. Conor McDermott played a great cross across the box from wide right, the ball running just behind an advancing Michael McCrudden with the Crues surviving.
Adam Lecky and Philip Lowry came closest for the visitors with valiant headers just going wide of the Coleraine uprights on both occasions. Coleraine went into the break leading 1-0.
The second half began with Crusaders trying to get back on level terms but Coleraine held firm, restricting the visitors to possession in the middle third of the pitch.
Coleraine settled the affair in the 61st minute with a second goal. Jarvis played a well-measured low cross into the box and Evan McLauglin appeared to mis-hit his strike but in turn this wrong-footed Jonny Tuffey in the Crusaders goal and the ball found it’s way into the net.
Crusaders tried to apply pressure and force at least a consolation but they were restricted to a blocked Lecky shot in the 79th minute. This was to be the last incident of the game as Coleraine claimed the three points.
Coleraine will be excited heading into the festive period whilst Crusaders will feel a degree of frustration after their result at Seaview just six days ago. On the plus side for the visitors Robinson came through the game unscathed with an impressive battling display in defence. More comebacks from injury within the squad cannot come soon enough for Stephen Baxter.