Coleraine FC's long unbeaten run in the Premiership is over after a 3-1 home defeat to Linfield on Friday. The loss, which ended a 14-match streak without defeat and a 10-month unbeaten record at The Showgrounds, saw the visitors draw level with Coleraine at the summit of the table.
Adam Frizzell gave Linfield the lead after nine minutes, finishing from a Kyle McClean free-kick. Chris Shields doubled the advantage in the 25th minute, putting the hosts in a deep hole before the half-hour mark. Kirk Millar added a third for the Blues just before the hour, effectively sealing the points.
Manager Ruaidhri Higgins made a double change at half-time, introducing Conor Stewart and Jack Thomson, but his side struggled to create clear chances. A goal from Ben Doherty's corner was ruled out after the break, a decision Higgins later called poor. "Higgins later described the disallowed goal as a poor decision, while also acknowledging that his team’s overall performance had fallen short," he said.
Matthew Shevlin pulled a goal back for Coleraine with ten minutes remaining, finishing from a Levi Ives pass, but it proved only a consolation. The result leaves both teams locked on 22 points at the top, though Coleraine's goal difference of +11 remains superior.
Linfield manager David Healy acknowledged the significance of the win. "Healy said afterwards that his players would enjoy beating a strong opponent without getting carried away," he told reporters after the match. The defeat comes after a recent run of form that saw Coleraine win three and draw two of their last five league matches. They will now aim to bounce back in their next league fixture, an away trip to face 11th-placed Bangor on October 4. Check the full schedule on our fixtures list.
