Coleraine and Larne Battle to a Stalemate: Mixed Feelings for Manager Dean Shiels

Coleraine manager Dean Shiels expressed his "mixed emotions" following his team's 1-1 draw against defending champions Larne at the Showgrounds. The match showcased a competitive spirit, with both teams having their moments, but ultimately ending in a stalemate that left Shiels reflecting on both the positives and the missed opportunities. Matthew Shevlin gave the Bannsiders an early advantage by converting a penalty in the first half. However, the lead was short-lived as Larne's Andy Ryan also found the back of the net from the penalty spot, ensuring that the points would be shared. Shiels acknowledged the quality of their opponents, stating, "They're a top side and when you don't get beat by them, that is a positive." Yet, he couldn't shake off the feeling of regret over the chances his team failed to convert, particularly during a dominant spell in the first half where they could have extended their lead to 2-0. The second half proved to be a different story for Coleraine as nerves crept into their game. Shiels noted, "We dropped in and Larne brought quality in with Ryan," indicating that his side struggled to maintain their composure under pressure. Nevertheless, he was quick to commend the defensive performance of his team, highlighting that goalkeeper Rory Brown was well-protected and that Larne was limited to just a few clear-cut chances. Shevlin, who found the net for the third time this season, echoed his manager's sentiments regarding the draw. He felt that the outcome was fair considering the dynamics of the match. "We probably edged the first half, second half they changed their shape a bit and it took us a while to cope with it, so a draw is probably a fair result," he admitted. The striker also celebrated his team's response to the previous week’s 2-0 defeat against Glenavon, emphasizing the importance of character and resilience. As Coleraine looks ahead, the players and coaching staff will likely take both the positives from this match and the lessons learned from their shortcomings. With the season still in its early stages, Shiels will hope to harness the resolve shown against Larne as they aim to build momentum in the Irish Premiership.