Coleraine 5 Limavady United 1
    Wilkinson Sword League Cup First Round
    Saturday 10 August 1996
    Eamon Doherty was the star performer in a good opening day performance which saw Coleraine easily overcome their junior neighbours. Doherty opened the scoring after 6 minutes, collecting a short pass from Micheal Surgeon and delivering a 20 yard drive just inside the upright. The Doherty-Surgeon combination made it two midway through the first half when a clever dummy from Surgeon let the ball run clear to Doherty who scored from the edge of the penalty area. The third goal came about 10 minutes later when Ollie McAuley took a magnificant reverse pass from Sam Shiels, carried the ball inside the penalty area and drove the ball into the net for his first Coleraine goal. Sam Shiels completed the first half scoring by collecting a Pat McAllister pass and rounding the keeper in the last minute of the half. The second half was a more low key affair, with Limavady determined to put up a better show and Coleraine thinking more of the second round. After hitting the post on one attack, Limavady did score with Lamont slightly out of position, but Shiels restored the four goal margin towards the end after good work by Doherty. In all a good performance to start the season and the team can approach the second round against Glenavon in confident mood.

    1. Wesley Lamont
    Had little to do but was possibly at fault for the Limavady goal (6)
    2. Oliver McAuley
    Gave good support to O'Dowd on the right wing - and scored his first goal for the club. (7)
    3. Robbie Brunton
    Solid performance - good distribution and delivery of corners. (7)
    4. Brendan Aspinall
    Looked a threat at corners, not really tested by the Limavady front line. (7)
    5. Paul Gaston
    Had a quiet game but got himself in trouble once or twice. (6)
    6. Eamon Doherty
    Man of the match. Ran the midfield and scored two great goals. Gorman will not be missed on this performance. (9)
    7. Sam Shiels
    Worked hard as ever and took both goals well. (8)
    8. Greg O'Dowd
    Had a busy game - magnificant delivery of corners and free kicks. (7)
    9. David McCallan
    A fairly quiet time, but kept the Limavady defence busy. (7)
    10. Pat McAllister
    Showed signs of forming a good partnership with Doherty in the midfield, but was withdrawn shortly into the second half. (7)
    11. Michael Surgeon
    One of his best games for Coleraine. Had a hand in two goals. (8)
    sub Stephen Young (for Gaston)
    Very quiet. Didn't do anything of great note.(6)
    sub Andy Ramage (for McAllister)
    Tried hard to make an impression and saw plenty of the ball - but to little effect. (6)