FOOTBALL: Reserves shock Linfield with comeback at Windsor

The Bannsiders second string found themselves 3-0 down at half time against a Linfield Swifts team which contained no less than eight first teamers.

But a spirited second half display by Coleraine saw them secure a share of the spoils as they shocked their more illustrious opponents by winning the second half 4-1 much to Gaston's delight.

"I still can't believe it," said Gaston.

"We were 3-0 down at half time and we just told the lads to go out and get a 0-0 in the second half. But they did a hell of a lot more than that.

"They were absolutely magnificent and they worked their socks off and gave us everything they had, so much so they were all shattered at the end.

"I have never witnessed a game like it. To be down 3-0 and snatch a draw against Linfield Swifts is unheard of especially considering the team they had out.

"Their back four was Stephen Douglas, Winkie Murphy, Billy-Joe Burns and JP Gallagher and our lads scored four against them.

"The team Linfield had out would finish in the top six of the Premiership no problem at all and I told the players they have to take so much confidence out of this result.

"There's quite a few of them who are showing their potential but they know they have to keep working hard.

"Our oldest player was Chris Rodgers at 19 and our two strikers were both 16 - Sam Boylan and David Healy. Both of them scored against a back four who have been there and done it in Irish League football."

It was a nightmare first half for the Bannsiders as they found themselves one down in the first minute after Cahoon's strike. Further goals from Tomelty and McAleer gave Coleraine a mountain to climb in the second half.

But Healy pulled one back just after the restart to give them a bit of hope after great work from McIvor. McIvor set up the second for Karl Steele soon after pulling the ball back for the midfielder to lash home an unstoppable shot from 25 yards.

And the unthinkable happened with 20 minutes to go as Steele fired home from close range after the Blues failed to clear a corner.

It looked as though all their hard work would be in vain though as Burns put Linfield in front again near the end. But with a minute to go Wilson played in Boylan who showed great composure to slot home and give his side a share of the spoils.

Coleraine entertain Glenavon at The Showgrounds this Saturday.