Coleraine took all three points away from Carrick Rangers with a 2:0 win in the Premiership's third round of matches on Saturday. The visitors secured a clean sheet and moved a point clear at the summit of the table.
J. Cooper broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, finishing what looked like a rare opportunity on target. Carrick Rangers had camped in the final third for large spells but could only muster two shots on target compared to their opponents' two as well.
B. Doherty doubled the advantage in the 87th minute, finding a way back into it after Coleraine tightened things up in the closing stages. Carrick tried to respond but found themselves chasing shadows as the home side turned to the kids in desperation.
There were plenty of changes across the second half with Carrick bringing on J. Henderson at the break, then A. Steele and B. Wylie after the hour mark. Coleraine made three substitutions in quick succession in the 77th minute before Doherty came off for the visitors in stoppage time.
The statistics tell a story of possession without penetration. Carrick Rangers dominated the ball at 48 per cent and recorded eight corners to Coleraine's one, yet could only manage six shots off target alongside their two on target.
By then the league table had shifted slightly, with Coleraine now sitting alone at the top on 10 points from three wins and a draw. Carrick Rangers remain in second place on nine points after that solitary defeat to Ballinamallard in their opening fixture.
