Shevy on the spot

Ten-man Coleraine kept pace with the leading pack following a hard-earned 1-0 win over Carrick Rangers at The Showgrounds on Tuesday night.

Matthew Shevlin’s 17th league goal of the season from the penalty spot in the 70th minute was enough to claim the three points and keep the Bannsiders in fifth place.

The striker was upended in the box by Carrick sub’ Ronan Kalla only seconds after coming on and he made no mistake from the spot, sending Carrick keeper Ross Glendinning the wrong way.

At the other end, Coleraine keeper Marty Gallagher, at fault for at least one of the goals in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Cliftonville, produced a remarkable reaction save 12 minutes from the end to preserve his side’s lead.

Lloyd Anderson must have thought he had scored when he connected with Neda Maciuilitis’s cross yards out in front of goal but Gallagher dived across to keep his effort out.

Stuart King’s side upped the tempo in the closing stages but Coleraine held firm to make it 13 games unbeaten in all competitions.

The victory came at a cost, however, as influential midfielder Jamie Glackin was shown a red card midway through the second half and faces a suspension.

Winger Conor McKendry, meanwhile, went off injured early with what looked a serious injury.

Bannsiders' boss Oran Kearney will check on the extent of McKendry's injury before picking a team for Dungannon Swifts on Saturday.

COLERAINE: Gallagher, Kane, D. Jarvis, Brown, McKendry (Scott ’24 mins), McCrudden (Lynch ’46 mins), Carson, O’Donnell, Glackin, McDermott, Shevlin (Fyfe ’86 mins).

Subs Not Used: McDowell (GK), A. Jarvis, Farren, O’Mahony.

CARRICK RANGERS: Ross Glendinning, Forsythe, Surgenor (Maciulaitis ’71 mins), Ervin, Gordon, Cushley (Dupree ’76 mins), McGuckin, Cherry, Reece Glendinning (Kalla ’68 mins), Tilney, Anderson.

Subs Not Used: Hogg (GK), Buchanan-Rolleston, Waite, Andrews.

Referee: Andrew Davey