The first half was a lacklustre affair, with a massed Ards defence snuffing out the threat of a Coleraine attack which lacked urgency or penetration. If a goal was going to be scored however, it would always be the visitors who broke the deadlock, and that was how it proved to be on 31 minutes. Sammy Shiels picked up the ball after a nice move involving three or four players and crossed into the area where it was met by the head of Paul Gaston who flicked it into the goal. This seemed to stir Ards into attacking action, and they equalised within 5 minutes. A free kick was knocked into the area where it was flicked on by John Bacon and Damian Maher scored from close range.

It appeared that Kenny Shiels had harsh words during the interval, since the Coleraine team that appeared after the break displayed a great deal more urgency that which played the first 45 minutes. Ironically, however, Ards had the first real chance of the second period and only a full stretch goalline clearance from the alert Robbie Brunton prevented the home side taking the lead. After that close shave, however, it was one way traffic and on 65 minutes Goosey Young restored Coleraine's lead. His header from a Greg O'Dowd corner was blocked, but the rebound fell kindly and Goosey smashed the ball high into the net. Three minutes later, the game was effectively finished when substitute Jon Forsberg got on the end of a David McCallan cross from the right to head in at the far post. By now Ards were a beaten team, and McCallan and Shiels both had chances to extend the lead before Shiels was tripped in the area and Robbie Brunton scored his fourth goal of the season from the resulting penalty.

1. Wesley Lamont

I can't remember Wes being forced into a single save. The only shot on target was the Ards goal for which he was blameless (7)

2. Oliver McAuley

A good performance from Ollie, linking up well with the right hand side of the Coleraine attack. (7)

3. Robbie Brunton

Dispatched the penalty in customary style and also made a magnificant ful length clearance off the line. (8)

4. Stuart Clanachan

Deputising for the suspended Brendan Aspinall, Stuart made a competant first appearance of the season. (7)

5. Paul Gaston

A strong candidate for Man of the Match (isn't he always). Scored the vital first goal, and was always strong at the back. (8)

6. Stephen Young

Another excellent display from the Goose, capped with his second goal in as many games. (8)

7. Sam Shiels

The quieter of the front pairing, Sam nevertheless put in his usual quota of selfless running, saw his best goal attempt flash wide, and made the penalty. (7)

8. Greg O'Dowd

Quieter than of late, but Greg provided some nice touches. (7)

9. David McCallan

Man of the Match. Held the ball up until support arrived, set up the best goal of the match and looked full of energy. His best all-round display of the season so far. (9)

10. Pat McAllister

Another close contender for Man of the Match. Packie's midfield prompting played a large part in the secound half rout. (8)

11. Conor McKeever

Conor wasn't helped by being played on the wrong wing, which became obvious when he attempted to cross on the run, but he showed his versatility in coping well with an unusual position. (7)

sub Jon Forsberg (for Clanachan)

Came off the bench to score the third goal afdter having been dropped from the starting line-up. (7)