Coleraine Chronicle - Sports - Where did it all go wrong?

Sports

Where did it all go wrong?

Thursday, 2 February 2012

Where did it all go wrong? thumbnail The Coleraine squad line prior to kick-off at the Ballymena Showgrounds.

A DAY which began with unbridled enthusiasm ended in abject disappointment as Coleraine slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Crusaders in the final of the IRN-BRU League Cup at the Ballymena Showgrounds on Saturday. A first half goal from Crues' midfielder Chris Morrow was enough to dissappoint the legions of Coleraine fans who had travelled up the A26 confident that this was to be their day.
In the event, the day was marked by as poor a performance from their players as they have produced arguably this season. At no stage of the 90 minutes did it look as if they would win. They started slowly and were left with a mountain to climb after Morrow's vital strike just after the half hour.
With Colin Coates imperious at the back and Morrow and Watson tigerish in midfield, the Bannsiders struggled to make much headway against Stephen Baxter's men.
Indeed, this reporter is struggling to remember any clear Coleraine chances. Shane Jennings did threaten in the second period but there really was very little to record from an attacking point of view.
The north Belfast side weren't great either it has to be said but then they didn't need to be. As others have stated, they had a gameplan, stuck to it and got their rewards.
What is particularly galling for all connected with Coleraine is the manner of defeat in front of a big crowd and a sizeable television audience.
Regular followers of the team know how much better they are than what they showed on Saturday.
The hope must be that the supporters understand this and don't judge the team on one below-par performance.
Players like Stephen Lowry, Curtis Allen etc don't become bad players overnight. Yes, the team didn't play well, but there is still much to be played for in the coming months.
An Irish Cup game at home to Ballinamallard looms large on the horizon while a European place remains the target in the Carling Premiership.
Saturday was a chastening experience for everybody - players, supporters and officials.
Let's hope that the defeat was not in vain, that out of the disappointment comes a renewed determination to push on over the closing months of the season.