Coleraine fight back to earn draw with Linfield

Super second half showing earns Bannsiders a deserved point at home to the Blues

Matthew Shevlin scored his 100th goal for Coleraine in Tuesday night's draw with Linfield.

Reporter:

Damian Mullan

Email:

damian.mullan@thechronicle.uk.com

Tuesday 28 October 2025 23:05

Coleraine staged a remarkable second half comeback to earn a share of the points in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Linfield at the Showgrounds on Tuesday night.

First half goals from Matthew Fitzpatrick and Samuel Roscoe-Byrne had the visitors in a commanding lead at half-time but the Bannsiders fought back through Matthew Shevlin and Charles Dunne to earn a share of the points.

The Blues dominated the opening 45 minutes and went in front after a quarter of an hour when Fitzpatrick headed home an inviting Kirk Millar free-kick from the left.

It was 2-0 after 37 minutes when Roscoe was left unmarked at the back post to prod home after the Coleraine defence had failed to deal with another Millar delivery, this time from a corner.

And it could have been worse before half-time when the Linfield defender blazed high over the crossbar from six yards, again after some hesitant home defending.

Bannsiders boss Ruaidhri Higgins introduced Lyndon Kane and Kodi Lyons-Foster at the break, Cameron Stewart and Dean Jarvis the men to make way.

Lewis McGregor replaced Zane Okoro early in the second period and he was instrumental in Coleraine's first goal.

The winger raced to the byline before crossing into the danger area. Matthew Shevlin's initial effort was blocked by Sean Brown but he made no mistake at the second attempt, driving the ball low past Chris Johns to bring up his century for the club.

The momentum was all with the home side now but they had to wait until eight minutes from the end for the equaliser as Charles Dunne got on the end of a Will Patching corner to net his first goal for Coleraine.

Both teams had chances in the dying minutes to grab the win but, in the end, both were forced to settle for a share of the points in a see-saw encounter in front of a hugely entertained crowd.

The result sees Coleraine remain top of the Sports Direct Premiership, three points ahead of nearest challengers Glentoran who have two games in hand, while Linfield remain in fourth place.