James McLaughlin’s late show sends Coleraine marching on with Europa League win

The visitors from San Marino held out against Coleraine until 88 minutes but McLaughlin grabbed the only goal thanks to superb control and a composed finish.

Curtis Allen’s early effort off a Ben Doherty pass drifted wide of the mark.

Doherty then fired goalwards from distance and Gianluca Vivan was called into action after 23 minutes to stop Josh Carson’s low drive.

The Bannsiders’ share of the ball increased over the first half and Lyndon Kane’s shot was blocked by Andrea Brighi before a Stephen Lowry attempt finished wide off a deflection.

In response, La Fiorita came close when Armando Amati’s cross lacked the decisive touch in the danger area.

Substitute Stewart Nixon marked his introduction with a shot wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Aaron Canning stepped in to clear the danger after a Lucio Peluso cross created problems for Gareth Deane between the Coleraine posts.

The alert Vivan was on hand to deny McLaughlin on 67 minutes after continued sharp play by Nixon.

Stephen O’Donnell - the Coleraine captain who confirmed a fresh contract this week - steered his header just wide off a Doherty corner-kick.

Coleraine had the ball in the net on 78 minutes but the match officials ruled out the effort for a foul inside the box.

However, on 88 minutes, the breakthrough arrived in some style.

Aaron Traynor’s upfield pass was converted off McLaughlin’s superb first touch to create space inside the area and a sweeping finish beyond Vivan.

COLERAINE: Deane, Kane, Canning, Jarvis, Doherty, Lowry, McLaughlin, Carson (Nixon, 36) O’Donnell, Traynor, Allen (Bradley, 62).

Subs: Gallagher, Douglas, Tweed, Parkhill McGuckin.

LA FIORITA: Vivan, Grandoni, Brighi, Di Maio, D.Rinaldi, Errico (Guidi, 65), Loiodice, Amati, Damiano (Pieri, 74), Peluso (Mularoni, 79), Gasperoni.

Subs: Venturini, Miori, Pancotti, Zafferani.

REFEREE: Ciochirca (Austria).