In their opening match of the season, Coleraine FC demonstrated their prowess by defeating Dungannon Swifts with a convincing 3-1 victory in the Boyle Sports Premiership. The game was played at Stangmore Park and featured an exciting first half where both teams had opportunities to score but failed to break through until late in the period.
The match began with a competitive atmosphere, as neither team managed to establish clear dominance. However, Coleraine FC’s fortunes changed when Jay Henderson scored his first goal since joining from Ross County. The goal came just before halftime, giving Coleraine a 1-0 lead and setting the stage for an intense second half.
The second period saw Dungannon Swifts fighting back with determination. Ten minutes after the restart, they managed to equalize through Sean McAllister’s powerful shot from distance. Despite this setback, Coleraine FC remained resolute and quickly regained their momentum. A well-executed corner kick routine between Will Patching and Ben Doherty led to a beautifully placed effort by Doherty, doubling Coleraine’s lead.
Despite the efforts of Dungannon Swifts to close the gap, Coleraine FC maintained control of the game. They sealed their victory with Matthew Shevlin converting from Lewis McGregor's pass in the final stages of the match. The win not only marked a strong start for Coleraine but also showcased the team’s depth and tactical flexibility under Ruaidhri Higgins.
