Cooper double lifts Coleraine past Larne after two-goal comeback

Joel Cooper scored twice as Coleraine overturned a two-goal deficit to beat reigning champions Larne 3-2 at Inver Park on Friday. The result ended Larne's unbeaten start to the league season, with Cooper's late winner completing a second-half recovery after James Simpson had put the home side in control.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKNEm0Ehi_Q

According to The Irish News, Simpson opened the scoring in the 16th minute following an exchange between Tomas Cosgrove and Paul O'Neill, with Cosgrove providing the final pass. Simpson added his second five minutes after the interval, meeting a pass from Dan Bent with a curling finish that went in off the far post.

Coleraine responded through Cooper on the hour. The Irish News reported that he converted from close range after Matthew Shevlin's header was blocked. Shevlin then headed the equaliser nine minutes later. Cooper completed the comeback in the 81st minute, striking first time after a deflected cross fell to him and beating goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson.

BBC Sport NI reported that the victory left Coleraine six points ahead of Linfield and 11 clear of Larne. Those margins come with an important qualification: Linfield have two games in hand, while Larne have four following their European commitments. The result therefore widened Coleraine's lead without putting their rivals on an equal number of matches.

Speaking to BBC Sport NI, Coleraine manager Ruaidhri Higgins praised his players' response to falling two goals behind away to the champions. He said their confidence grew after the first reply and highlighted their second-half performance, while declining to label the result a statement victory in the title race.

Larne manager Gary Haveron criticised his team's defending but stressed that the clubs still have further meetings ahead. Before Friday, Larne had conceded only three times across seven league games; Coleraine matched that total during a 21-minute spell, according to the BBC report.

The reversal also followed Larne's County Antrim Shield elimination on penalties against Dundela earlier in the week. Coleraine, meanwhile, continue their pursuit of a first league championship since 1974.