COLERAINE U18s were heartbreakingly edged out...

COLERAINE U18s were heartbreakingly edged out on penalty-kicks after producing a great performance in last night’s Harry Cavan Youth Cup final…

The young Bannsiders created the first chance of the game with just three minutes on the clock when Yoann Prigent showed trickery on the left-hand side to release Keelan Walker but the striker couldn’t keep his effort on target.

With six minutes on the clock, Linfield drew first blood as Harry Allen’s cross from the left was on the money for Rhys Davidson to head into the net.

In an entertaining affair, opportunities kept coming for both sides as Oliver Wade hit the outside of the post for the Blues, whilst at the other end, Walker once again tried his luck but his attempt fizzed over.

Coleraine produced a neat passage of play to threaten next as Diaz McMullan and Alex Watson linked-up to find Prigent but the skilful midfielder was denied with a low effort.

On 33 minutes, the Bannsiders had goalkeeper Aaron Hoey-Kemp to thank as he made a smart stop as Odhran McClean looked certain to make it 2-0 from close range.

Coleraine would then end the half strongly as Walker had a shot deflected wide, before Charlie Patton saw an effort cleared off the line. There was even large shouts for a penalty waved away as Walker went to ground inside the box.

Linfield, who are managed by current first-team player Jamie Mulgrew, looked dangerous at the start of the second half as Allen and McClean both had sights of goal.

However, Coleraine drew level on 64 minutes through a fine finish. A free-kick delivery into the box was punched away by Linfield keeper Daragh Rooney only as far as Walker who kept his cool with a delightful lob.

Both teams tried their best to win the tie in 90 minutes but extra-time was required. The first half of extra-time was a cagey affair with no real chances of note.

The second period was more lively as Luke Fleming was sent through on goal but his attempted lob was kept out by Rooney, with Linfield then being denied the win with the last kick of the match as Shea Savage’s finish was ruled out for offside.

In the penalty shootout, Longridge, Allen, Ross, Wade and Jermakovas scored for Linfield, while Walker, Prigent, Watson and Fleming scored for Coleraine and Wilson missed.

A tough one to take for the valiant Bannsiders who gave it everything at Mill Meadow.

COLERAINE U18s: Hoey-Kemp, Watson, Campbell, Patton, Prigent, Bucklee, McMullan, O’Doherty, Wilson, Henry, Walker.

Subs Used: Vary (GK), Fleming, Love, Kelly.

Subs Not Used: Garcia, Sheils, Spence.

LINFIELD RANGERS: Rooney, Longridge, Reid, Cargill, Jermakovas, Davidson, Wade, Ross, McClean, Allen, Kelly.

Subs Used: Savage, Lowry, McGarry.

Subs Not Used: Sykes (GK), Lappin, Lagan, Anderson.

Referee: Brooklyn McElroy