Coleraine beat champions Larne to open six-point lead in Northern Ireland's top flight
In Northern Ireland's top football division, the Irish League, Coleraine came from two goals down to win 3-2 at reigning champions Larne. The result puts them six points clear at the top.
In football's Irish League, Northern Ireland's top division, Coleraine won 3-2 away at reigning champions Larne on Friday after trailing 2-0. The game at Inver Park was Larne's first league defeat of the season.
The three points leave Coleraine six points ahead of Linfield, who have two games in hand, and 11 clear of Larne, who have four matches in hand because of their European commitments in the summer. Coleraine are chasing their first Gibson Cup, the Northern Ireland league trophy, since 1974.
How the game unfolded
James Simpson scored twice to put Larne in front. Coleraine then took over. Joel Cooper scored with half an hour left after Larne failed to deal with a cross from Ben Doherty. Nine minutes later Matthew Shevlin headed in, again with Doherty involved. After substitute Kevin O'Hara hit the crossbar, Cooper struck the winner nine minutes before normal time ended. Those two goals within 21 minutes doubled the tally Larne had conceded in their first seven league games, which was three.
Managers' reactions
Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins stressed the character his players showed, saying they did not let their heads drop after the second goal. He stopped short of calling it a statement victory. Larne manager Gary Haveron also dismissed that idea, noting the teams will meet again and that plenty of games remain. The first meeting between them earlier in the season finished 0-0. Haveron called his side's defending "pathetic".
Larne, without midfielder Chris Gallagher, host Linfield at Inver Park on Tuesday. Earlier in the week the club lost on penalties to Championship side Dundela in the County Antrim Shield.
