A few home truths basis for impressive home win

Coleraine head coach Ruaidhri Higgins believes an 'open and honest conversation' between players, management and staff laid the foundation for Tuesday night's defeat of Linfield.

The Bannsiders responded positively to the Boxing Day derby defeat at Ballymena United by scoring three times in the second half on their way to a convincing 3-1 home win over the Blues.

"We had a few things that needed to be said, not on Boxing Day or next day in, we had an open and honest conversation – staff, players, everyone involved," he said.

"Things had to be said and they were said.

"We let ourselves down and we had to respond and I thought we put in a disciplined performance against Linfield.

"We've been better than what we were tonight, we've put in better performances, but it was a real committed performance and everyone carried out what they were asked to do.

"It's a big three points and we move on now to Friday at Larne," he added.

"We got a brilliant response from the players and three outstanding goals in fairness, three really good finishes.

"Joel's grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and put the ball away and McGonigle brilliant inside of the foot half volley into the far corner. Will Patching's got an outstanding goal.

"I'm just disappointed we couldn't keep a clean sheet but, all in all, we've created plenty of chances.

"What I would say is that in the first half Linfield were really good in terms of, they caused us problems with their shape. They were inventive and it took us a while to get to grips with it.

"Once we did I felt we created plenty of opportunities, particularly on the counter attack, but there was a 20 minute period where they were finding gaps behind our midfield.

"In that first period of the game they were probably the best team that we've come up against, especially at the Showgrounds, this year."

The win sets Coleraine up nicely for Friday night's trip to Inver Park to face league leaders Larne, who could only draw 0-0 with Cliftonville in midweek.