Limavady United boss keen to take the positives from NW Cup defeat

Limavady United manager Paul Owens admitted he was pleased with his team's performance in Wednesday night's NW Cup defeat to Coleraine - bar the opening 15 minutes.

The Roesiders went down 3-1 to their neighbours in an entertaining affair at the Coleraine Showgrounds.

Early goals from Lewis McGregor and Connor Murray had the Bannsiders on their way early on and when Joe Thomson added a third midway through the opening half the omens didn't look good for the visitors.

However, Luke Fleming's goal, moments after Coleraine's third, gave Limavady encouragement before Ruairi Boorman's own goal in the second half completed a 4-1 win for the hosts.

"We made a lot of changes, it was important to give boys games," admitted Owens.

"A lot of boys we want to get another look at as well, and some boys needed minutes.

"We knew how difficult it was going to be and I was disappointed in the first 15 minutes, I think it was mostly self inflicted.

"Other than that I thought we competed pretty well.

"I think there's five young boys there that made their debuts there as well which is encouraging.

"I try to watch as many of their games as I can and they've all deserved a run out tonight so it's positive to get those boys on the pitch.

"No injuries is another big positive," he added.

Limavady United travel to Portadown for a vital league match this weekend while Coleraine play Bangor at Clandeboye Park on Sunday afternoon.