Coleraine 1-0 Ballinamallard

The Bannsiders got the better of Ballinamallard in the first of their two back to back games, with a slender 1-0 victory.

Coleraine had beaten Ballinamallard twice already this season with late winners to secure two 2-1 victories, and it was Rodney Brown's first half strike that gave them victory on New Years Day.

The game was played in horrendous conditions with driving rain and a strong gale, which Coleraine made the most of in the first half. Alvin Rouse pulled off several saves to deny Coleraine, whilst Emmet Friars also cleared off the line. Brown gave Coleraine the lead on 19 minutes after Rouse had initially saved Parkhill's shot and Shane McCabe tried to clear off the line, Brown followed up to score.

The Mallards were simply glad to get back in at half time, and play the second period with the wind on their backs.

Adam Lecky went closest first with a close range header but Michael Doherty produced a fine save to deny the midfielder.

Coleraine managed to carve out a couple of chances in the second half as Ballinamallard pushed for an equaliser, but couldn't convert. Liam Martin's cross/shot at the end of the game forced Doherty to again pull off a fine save, tipping the ball over the bar whilst at full stretch.

The sides will meet again next week in the Tennent's Irish Cup round 5.

On Saturday, the Seconds recorded a 1-0 victory over Coleraine Reserves with Johnny Courtney's second half strike enough to separate the sides in a tight game.