Football: Jody's a hit man

COLERAINE earned a sixth round home tie against First Division Larne with this 2-0 victory over premier opponents Lisburn Distillery.

There wasn't a great deal of difference between the sides but two skilful touches from striker Jody Tolan sent his side on their way in the 39th minute.

The striker took a gamble that paid off as he said: "I took a chance, nobody marked me, the first touch was good and the second one put the ball into the net."

It was the definitive moment in an opening half that saw both sides have opportunities although of the two goalkeepers it was the Whites' keeper Phil Matthews who had to make the vital save.

He did that on 22 minutes to deny Ian McCoosh and although his own side did press they had no one there to finish off their moves.

On 58 minutes Tony McShane fired wide for the Whites, before Tolan could have grabbed his second on 69 minutes but he hit the side netting.

With the Whites pushing forward they were exposed at the back and late on in the match Coleraine had several opportunities to score.

Three minutes before time, Barry Curran and McCoosh combined on the edge of the area, McCoosh's low cross took a wicked deflection and looked to be going in.

Matthews somehow got his hand to it to keep the ball out of the net but in the 89th minute he was helpless to prevent the winning goal.

A poor defensive back header meant that substitute Michael McHugh had the easiest of chances to run in and fire past the stranded Matthews.

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