In a highly anticipated Irish Premiership clash, Coleraine showcased their title-challenging credentials with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over rivals Ballymena United at the Showgrounds. The Bannsiders, sitting atop the table, asserted their dominance from the opening whistle and left little doubt as to the deserved nature of their triumph.

Coleraine's Statement of Intent

Ruaidhri Higgins' side wasted no time in stamping their authority on the proceedings, with Jamie Glackin opening the scoring in the 12th minute. The playmaker's composed finish set the tone for a dominant Coleraine display, as they controlled possession and territory throughout the first half.

What this really means is that Coleraine have cemented their status as the team to beat in the race for the Irish Premiership title. Their ability to rise to the occasion against a direct rival, coupled with their continued consistency, underscores their credentials as the league's form side.

Ballymena's Woes Continue

For Ballymena United, the defeat represents a further setback in their quest to break into the upper echelons of the table. David Jeffrey's side struggled to find a foothold in the game, with their attacking threat severely limited by Coleraine's organized and disciplined defensive unit.

The bigger picture here is that Ballymena's inability to match Coleraine's intensity and quality will raise further questions about their ability to mount a sustained challenge for European qualification. The gap to the top of the table now stands at eight points, and the Braidmen will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further adrift.

Coleraine's Dominance Rewarded

Coleraine's dominance was further rewarded in the second half, with Eoin Bradley and Stephen Lowry adding to their tally to secure a comfortable victory. Ballymena's late consolation goal from Conor Keeley did little to dampen the Bannsiders' celebrations as they took another step towards the title.

The resounding nature of Coleraine's win sends a clear message to the rest of the league: they are the team to beat. With their blend of attacking flair, defensive solidity, and squad depth, Higgins' side are firmly in the driving seat as the business end of the season approaches.