Coleraine edged Ballymena United 3-2 in a thrilling Northern Ireland Premier League derby on Saturday, 12 September 2026. A hat-trick from Matthew Shevlin, including a late winner, proved the difference at The Showgrounds as the Bannsiders claimed bragging rights in a five-goal contest that swung one way and then the other.

Match Overview

The match lived up to its derby billing from the first whistle. Coleraine started with intent, pressing high and forcing Ballymena United into early mistakes. The home side raced into a two-goal lead, but Ballymena showed character to fight back and level the score at 2-2. Just when it looked like the points would be shared, Coleraine found one final moment of quality to win it.

The 3-2 final score was harsh on Ballymena, who contributed hugely to an entertaining game. But Coleraine’s clinical finishing, especially from their leading striker, made the difference in a match that had everything: goals, intensity, tactical battles, and late drama.

Key Moments

• 14’ – Coleraine 1-0 Ballymena United: Matthew Shevlin opened the scoring with a sharp turn and finish inside the box after a clever through ball.
• 29’ – Coleraine 2-0 Ballymena United: Shevlin doubled the lead, converting a cross from the right with a header that gave the goalkeeper no chance.
• 52’ – Coleraine 2-1 Ballymena United: Paul McElroy pulled one back for Ballymena with a well-struck free-kick from just outside the area.
• 70’ – Coleraine 2-2 Ballymena United: Cathair Friel equalised, reacting quickest to a rebound and firing home from close range.
• 88’ – Coleraine 3-2 Ballymena United: Shevlin completed his hat-trick and won it for Coleraine, arriving at the back post to turn in a low cross.

Tactical Story

Coleraine’s game plan was built on quick transitions and getting the ball to Shevlin in dangerous areas. Their midfield won the early battle, allowing the full-backs to push high and create overloads out wide. That approach produced the first two goals, but it also left spaces behind for Ballymena to exploit as the game wore on.

Ballymena United adjusted well after the break. They pushed their wingers inside, pressed Coleraine’s midfield more aggressively, and found joy from set pieces and second balls. Their equaliser came from sustained pressure, and for a period they looked the more likely winners. However, Coleraine’s decision to keep two attackers high in the closing minutes paid off, as they grabbed the late winner.

The derby was played at a frantic pace, with both teams committing numbers forward. In the end, Coleraine’s defensive resilience in the final few minutes, combined with Shevlin’s ruthlessness, proved decisive.

Standout Players

Matthew Shevlin (Coleraine) was the undisputed man of the match. His hat-trick showcased his finishing ability, movement, and composure in high-pressure moments. He now has a strong claim as one of the most dangerous strikers in the Northern Ireland Premier League. Coleraine’s captain also delivered a composed display in midfield, keeping the team organised during Ballymena’s comeback.

For Ballymena United, Paul McElroy was excellent, driving his team forward and scoring a superb free-kick. Cathair Friel also impressed with his energy and equalising goal. Ballymena’s goalkeeper made several important saves to keep the score level for as long as he did, but he was powerless to stop Shevlin’s late winner.

Table and Season Impact

The 3-2 win gives Coleraine three crucial points in the Northern Ireland Premier League and strengthens their position in the upper half of the table. For Ballymena United, it is a painful derby defeat, but their second-half performance will offer encouragement for the matches ahead. In a league where every point matters, dropping a late goal will hurt, but the character shown to come back from 2-0 down was notable.

Coleraine will now look to build momentum from this result, while Ballymena must regroup quickly. The head-to-head record between these two rivals will make the return fixture one of the most anticipated dates in the calendar. For now, bragging rights belong to Coleraine and their hat-trick hero.