In reality, this was a game that Coleraine could and should have won. The general play was no worse than last week's performance which saw 4 goals past Newry, but this week, despite the lion's share of posession, the goals wouldn't come. Both the best chances of the first half fell to debutant Andy Mullan, replacing the injured Sam Shiels. In the first, Mullan collected a through ball from David McCallan and sidestepped the keeper, only to see his weak shot intercepted before it could cross the line. In the second, Mullan had the ball in the net, connecting well with a Pat McAllister cross, only to see it ruled out for offside. Despite the lack of scoring in the first half, Coleraine reached the interval in confident mood and were expected to finish the job on the second period.

Just after the restart, Bangor broke the deadlock on a rare attack, the ball being driven into the corner from about 15 yards. Kenny Shiels responded by replacing Mullan with Johnny McIvor, but Coleraine failed to respond to the challenge. If anything, the performance got worse after the substitution, with barely a single good change created despite ample possession. The closest Coleraine came was a Brendan Aspinall header from an O'Dowd corner which crashed against the underside of the crossbar. As time ebbed away, Bangor's defending became more and more desperate and they had two players dismissed late on, each having picked up their second yellow card. But despite the numerical advantage, Coleraine could not get an equaliser, and Gold Cup qualification hopes now rest on a victory over Portadown at the Showgrounds next Saturday.

1. Wesley Lamont

A spectator for most of the game, but Wesley's confidence has visibly risen in recent weeeks. (7)

2. Oliver McAuley

Man of the match (in a game with no outstanding performance). Ollie's resurgence this season is little short of remarkable. His attacks down the right wing are becoming more frequent and dangerous. (8)

3. Robbie Brunton

Steady and effective. (7)

4. Brendan Aspinall

Rarely threatened, but always looked comfortable. (7)

5. Paul Gaston

Dealt solidly with any threat. (7)

6. Eamon Doherty

A quieter game for the Doc - let's hope he's saving something for Tuesday night. (7)

7. Andy Mullan

Was withdrawn just after the Bangor goal, but made an impressinve debut. (7)

8. Greg O'Dowd

One of Greg's quieter games, even though most action took place on his side of the pitch. (6)

9. David McCallan

In the absence of Sam Shiels, we needed more out of McCallan. (6)

10. Pat McAllister

Booked for a late tackle and was substituted immediately afterwards. Didn't stamp his authority on the game. (7)

11. Michael Surgeon

A quieter game from Surgey. (6)

sub Johnny McIvor (for Mullan)

Had almost 45 minutes to turn the game, but didn't really get over involved (6)

sub Andy Ramage (for McAllister)

Played the last 20 minutes and was hardly noticed. (6)