Coleraine 3–2 Ballymena United
Aidan Wilson struck five minutes from time as Coleraine survived a spirited Ballymena United comeback to claim a thrilling derby victory at the Showgrounds.
The Bannsiders appeared to be cruising after first-half goals from Matthew Shevlin and Jay Henderson gave them a commanding 2–0 lead. Ballymena transformed the contest after the break, however, with James Hood and Chris McKee pulling the visitors level before Wilson delivered the decisive moment.
Coleraine take control
The home side made an energetic start, although Shevlin passed up an early opportunity before Finley Thorndike tried his luck from distance.
Shevlin quickly made amends by reacting first when Ballymena goalkeeper David Walsh could only push Henderson’s low delivery into his path. The striker made no mistake from close range, putting Coleraine ahead.
The hosts doubled their advantage in spectacular fashion after 32 minutes. Ballymena failed to properly clear Ben Doherty’s corner, allowing Henderson to collect the loose ball and curl an outstanding long-range effort into the net.
With a two-goal cushion at the interval, Coleraine appeared to have the derby firmly under control.
Ballymena battle back
The second half produced a completely different contest.
Ballymena needed only nine minutes to reduce the deficit. McKee unlocked the Coleraine defence with a well-weighted pass, sending Hood through to finish beyond Lewis Webb.
Joel Cooper was introduced as Coleraine searched for greater control and nearly restored the home side’s two-goal advantage in the 72nd minute. Walsh remained on his feet and produced an important block to keep Ballymena within touching distance.
That save became even more significant when the Sky Blues were awarded a penalty eight minutes later. Dylan Boyle was penalised for handling Sean Murray’s effort, leaving McKee to calmly convert from the spot and complete the comeback.
Wilson delivers the winner
With the score level at 2–2, both teams sensed an opportunity to win it.
The decisive goal arrived in the 85th minute when Doherty delivered another dangerous corner into the Ballymena penalty area. Wilson rose to meet it and directed his header home, sparking celebrations around the Showgrounds.
Coleraine could have added a fourth in stoppage time after Cooper sent the ball across goal for Adam Brooks, but Walsh made another strong save.
It did not affect the outcome as the Bannsiders held on to collect three valuable points and strengthen their position at the top of the Irish Premiership.
Managers reflect on derby drama
Coleraine boss Ruaidhri Higgins acknowledged that his team had not produced its strongest performance, despite taking a comfortable lead into half-time.
He was particularly pleased with the courage shown by his players after Ballymena recovered to make it 2–2, praising both the team’s response and the contribution of the home support during a tense finish.
For Ballymena manager Oran Kearney, the result was difficult to accept after such an impressive second-half fightback. Despite leaving empty-handed, he believes the character and quality shown by his players can help them move away from their current difficulties.
Coleraine will know improvements are required, but derby victories are ultimately measured by the final score—and Wilson’s late intervention ensured the points remained with the league leaders.
Read more: Irish League Saturday: Four Premiership Clashes to Watch Across Northern Ireland
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