Ballinamallard Utd 2 Coleraine 5

Ballinamallard remain four points adrift at the foot of the Danske Bank Premiership table following tonight's 5-2 defeat to second placed Coleraine at Ferney Park.

Two Ryan Curran penalties had helped Ballinamallard go in level at half time at 2-2 but the Bannsiders dominated matters in the second half to close the gap on leaders Crusaders to two points.

The first half was not short on action at either end with both sides denied by the woodwork in the opening stages.

Josh Carson's well struck effort smacked the crossbar in the seventh minute for Coleraine while Stephen O'Flynn clipped the bottom of the post for the Mallards.

Title chasing Coleraine had the better of the exchanges but it was the home side who took the lead in the 33rd minute as Ryan Curran converted from the spot after Johnny Leddy was fouled.

Coleraine though hit back five minutes later to equalise as Carson headed home from close range.

And a minute later the visitors were in front as McCauley fired home.

However, there was to be a further twist on the stroke of half time as Curran confidently slotted home side second spot kick after O'Flynn was upended.

Coleraine though were back in front two minutes into the second half as Eoin Bradley headed home a Darren McCauley free kick.

The Bannsiders went on to boss matters in the second half and Bradley grabbed his second with a well taken free kick and substitute Aaron Burns wrapped things four minutes from time as he bagged his first goal for the club with a low drive to leave it 5-2 at the finish.