Coleraine progressed to a JJB Sports Irish Cup semi-final clash with Linfield next weekend after enduring a scare against Newry City on Saturday.

The Bannsiders appeared in total control after a Stephen Dooley strike and Rory Patterson brace put them 3-0 ahead after 47 minutes.

However, Darren King replied for Newry on 53 and it was game on when Alan Davidson hit a second on 57 minutes.

But Newry were unable to fashion a further chance as Coleraine held on.

Misplaced passes were the main feature of the opening quarter although Newry did look the more dangerous side as Paul Keenan and Davidson went close with long-range efforts.

However, a defensive mix-up gifted Coleraine their opener on 28 minutes with Dooley hammering his fourth goal of the season with a shot from 10 yards.

Within 60 seconds it was 2-0 as Patterson notched his 37th goal of the season after running on to a long ball over the Newry defence from Tommy McCallion.

The game seemed over when Patterson struck Coleraine's third goal two minutes into the second half after shrugging off a Darren King challenge.

However, King gave Newry a glimmer of hope by pulling a goal back on 53 minutes.

The contest was well and truly alive as Davidson added a second Newry goal four minutes later.

At that stage, Coleraine were looking rattled but Newry were unable to create a decent chance to equalise as the Bannsiders set up a semi-final meeting with Linfield next Saturday.

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