Mixed emotions for Beverland on his return

The defender made his first return to The Showgrounds on Saturday following his summer switch to Crusaders.

It brought to an end his ten year spell with Coleraine so it was only natural his first trip back would bring some mixed emotions for the Ballymoney man.

“It was a difficult one to be honest with regards to the build up and with it being the first game back,” said Beverland.

“I think the first time is always going to be the toughest one, when it comes to other games it probably won’t feel like it does today.

“At the same time you have to be professional about it and keep a clear focus and a clear mind of what the goal is for today.

“Out there it’s the same for myself as it is for the Coleraine lads you’re enemies for the 90 minutes, but off the pitch we’re good friends and that’s just the way it has to be.”

It was probably fitting that both sides earned a share of the spoils as David Ogilby’s free kick cancelled out Steven Douglas’early own goal.

It was a positive result for Coleraine after their disappointing defeat at Dungannon last week.

Beverland admitted he expected a backlash from the Bannsiders after their Stangmore Park humiliation.

“I said to Oran there that Coleraine getting beat so badly last week was probably the worst thing for us as players up their game and want to produce a better performance,” he said.

“You could see the intensity in Coleraine today and how they went about their game, they set up with a good shape and a good game plan.

“We’re disappointed that despite having the majority of possession we didn’t really do enough with it.”

Beverland caught up with a few familiar face on Saturday and he told Times Sport Coleraine will always have a special place in his heart.

“I had a great 10 years here, even though I didn’t win anything there was a lot of good memories, there was a few downs, but you focus on all the good times,” he said.

“I will continue to look out for their results every week and will keep in contact with Oran.

“Oran is building a squad and I think today shows it’s bearing fruit with the amount of talented young players in the team.

“There’s a number of very good players here at Coleraine.

“Coleraine will cause every team trouble this year if they can maintain the standard of performance they produced today.

“I hope it’s a good year for Coleraine and an even better one for Crusaders.”