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Gareth Fullerton

UEFA Youth League: Coleraine coach hails history-making teens

Coleraine produced a mesmerising performance to create a little piece of history in the UEFA Youth League.

The young Bannsiders came from behind down to earn a 2-2 draw against Pobeda in Macedonia to complete a 5-4 aggregate win.

It is the first time a Northern Ireland team has ever progressed to the second round of the competition.

Read more: N Ireland footballer joins West Belfast team for midweek training session

Coleraine trailed to Viktor Tosheski's early goal but hit back with two inside the final 10 minutes from Luke Kelly and Rory Moffatt.

Not even Todoroski's injury time penalty could deny Coleraine.

Next up for Marty Smith's side is a second round tie with Belgian side Genk.

"That will take some topping," Smith told Coleraine's social media.

"It is unbelievable to come here and progress. We can't believe it.

"They were really good in the first half and we looked as if we had travelled 2,000-odd miles. But once we got in and around the boys at half-time they came out with more belief and I believe we were the better team in the second half."

He added: "I think I have a few more grey hairs after their penalty, but the boys dug in and we got a rub of the green.

"The way the boys prepared for the game is brilliant.

"We have Genk next which will be another unbelievable experience for the players and coaches. And for the six parents who travelled today, but a trip for them.

"We will enjoy Genk and take it in."

COLERAINE: McDowell, Stewart, Watton, Campbell, Dealey, Stinson, Callaghan, Cullen (Smyth ’70 mins), Patton (Mackay ’82 mins), Moffatt, Doherty (Kelly ’86 mins).

Subs Not Used: Donnelly (GK), Curran, Dennison, Devine.

FK POBEDA: Marinovski, Gjorcheski (Nancheski ’56 mins), Kofilovski (Krsteski ’71 mins), Shikov, Kochoski, Tosheski, Debreslioski, Jakopetrevsk (Varosanoski ’85 mins), Todoroski, Antoski, Arizankoski.

Subs Not Used: Shemkovski (GK), Milanoski, Petejcuk.

Referee: Tom Owen (Wales)

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