The first half was a strangly low-key affair, played on a pitch which bore a more than passing resemblance to a ploughed field due to three games on the surface in the previous 10 days. The best two chances of the first period fell one to each side. After 20 minutes, a sweet Coleraine passing move (which turned out to be their only such move of the afternoon) culminated in a one-two between Greg O'Dowd and Sam Shiels. As O'Dowd raced through, the gaping goal appeared to yawn before him, but he screwed his shot far wide. At the other end Coleraine were lucky to escape when a powerfull header from Marty Tabb rebounded off Robbie Brunton at the post.

As the second half wore on, Cliftonville seemed to have settled for one point and retreated into defence. Coleraine had by far the greater share of possession, but failed to find the spark to prise open the Reds' massed ranks. With 20 minutes to go Jon Forsburg, who had been ther subject of some tough tackling, was replaced by Johnny McIvor and Paul Gaston moved into a forward role in an attempt to break the deadlock. Indeed, Coleraine's best chance of the second period fell to Gaston when an O'Dowd cross fell to him at the left hand side of the area, but he lifted his volley over the crossbar. The game semed to be heading for a 0-0 result when Cliftonville won a free kick on a rare forray into the other half. The Coleraine defence cut out the initial ball, but the clearance fell to Mark O'Neil who controlled the ball on his thigh and unleashed an unstoppable volley into the top corner from 25 yards.

1. Wesley Lamont

No chance with the goal, which was almost the first real effort on target. (7)

2. Oliver McAuley

Not the usual assured performance form Ollie (6)

3. Robbie Brunton

Cleared a goalbound effort off the line for the second week running. (7)

4. Brendan Aspinall

Some very dodgy distribution (6)

5. Paul Gaston

Man of the Match. Looked the most assured of the defence and became probably the most dangerous attacker when he moved forward for the last 20 minutes. (7)

6. Conor McKeever

A quieter performance than of late from Mr Versatility. (7)

7. Sam Shiels

It's been quite a while since Sam's last goal, and he never really looked like scoring in this game. (6)

8. Greg O'Dowd

Not as effective as of late and was guilty of missing Coleraine's best chance of the first half. (6)

9. David McCallan

Worked hard without any real reward. (7)

10. Pat McAllister

Packie got stuck in against his old club, but was unable to create anything against the massed Cliftonville defence. (7)

11. Jon Forsberg

Appeared to have the measure of his full back when he was withdrawn with 20 minutes to go. (7)

sub McIvor (for Forsberh)

His appearance lifted the crowd, but Johnny failed to have any real impact. (6)