Late drama as shootout puts Ballymena into Irish Cup final

After a seemingly decisive first-half goal from Coleraine's Eoin Bradley, late drama saw Ballymena find a 94th minute equaliser and ultimately seal their spot in the Irish Cup final after a penalty shootout.

The sides met at Windsor Park on Monday afternoon in the first of the day’s two semi-final games.

It wasn’t quite business as usual, with no fans in the empty stadium, but there was still a job to be done as the teams took to the pitch.

And what a test for the fitness levels after the long lay-off imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, with the game going to extra time and penalties.

A number of players did pick up knocks, including Coleraine’s Jamie Glackin in a collision with Sky Blues keeper Ross Glendinning – perhaps a side effect of that extended break.

Oran Kearney’s side appeared to have the better of the early chances, including actually finding the net just seven minutes in, only to have the goal waved off for offside – the first of two such calls.

However, the Bannsiders were still first on the scoreboard.

Eoin Bradley proved influential for the side and it was his excellent first half free kick that seemed to prove the difference.

Just ahead of the break, he whipped the ball into the top left corner over the head of Glendinning to make it 1-0 to Coleraine.

In the second half, to the frustration of Ballymena, the game seemed to be their opponents’ to lose.

Bradley was back with another free kick opportunity late on, but this time clipped the post.

A little bit of aggro followed and Ballymena’s Leroy Millar was probably lucky to only escape with a yellow card after shoving a hand in the face of an opponent.

But in a dramatic twist, Kenny Kane stepped up to provide an equaliser for David Jeffrey’s side in the 94th minute – turning the game on its head.

With just 30 seconds to go, James McLaughlin forced a save from Glendinning and the ball was tipped over the crossbar.

That brought extra time and yet more drama, with that second goal waved off for Coleraine to keep the score level at 1-1.

It took penalties in the end to decide who would progress and Ballymena held their nerve, despite having their first effort – from captain Jim Ervins – saved by Coleraine keeper Chris Johns.

Stephen Lowry was denied by the post for Coleraine, while Andy McGrory netted for Ballymena.

Then Bradley stepped up, only for his effort to go wide while Ballymena’s James Knowles banged in another goal.

James McLaughlin scored for Coleraine, but they were still on the back foot and Steven McCullough’s goal for Ballymena only added to the pressure.

Once Ben Doherty skied his shot, it was all over for Coleraine and Ballymena celebrated their victory.

They will be joined in the final by either Cliftonville or Glentoran, following their semi-final clash at Windsor Park at 8pm.