Kenny Shiels introduced two new signings into a team depleted by injuries. Norwegian Jon Forsberg had an impressive debut on the left wing, while Englishman David Williamson made an important contribution on the right. The first half was a sterile affair, with the first real attempt on goal coming from skipper Pat McAllister who warmed the hands of Dean Smyth with a long-range effort after 10 minutes. Cliftonville came into the game after this with a spell of good possession, but as the half drew to a close, Coleraine began to mount a series of threatening attacks. From one such move, David Williamson punted a high ball into the six yard box,Smyth fumbled his catch and when the ball fell to Jon Forsberg, he slid it across to David McCallan who made no mistake.

Coleraine had chances to increase the lead at the start of the second half, the most notable of which fell to Brendan Aspinall after Sam Shiels had pulled the ball back across the 6-yard box. Michael Surgeon, a replacement for McCallan also went close when he raced clear after a slip by Marty Tabb but his attempted chip went wide. As the second half wore on, the Reds began to apply some pressure. Firstly, Barry O'Connor was forced wide with only Lamont to beat, but his attempt from near the goal line struck the base of the post. Then, with only 5 minutes remaining, Tim McCann lifted the ball over Lamont only to see it bounce onto the crossbar and fall into the gratefull hands of the waiting Lamont.

1. Wesley Lamont

Steady and dependable (7)

2. Oliver McAuley

Another fine performance from Ollie - currently our most consistent defender. (8)

3. Robbie Brunton

Solid and unspectacular display. Kept the dangerous Tim McCann well shackled. (7)

4. Brendan Aspinall

Another fine performance. (7)

5. Paul Gaston

Man of the Match. Paul's dominance in the air and superb tackling provided great protection for Lamont. (8)

6. Stephen Young

Tried hard in a midfield role, but lacks the creative spark of Eamon Doherty. (6)

8. Sam Shiels

Unusually quiet performance, but kept the Cliftonville defence on their toes. (6)

7. Jon Forsberg

An excellent debut from the Norwegian winger. Looks to have an excellent touch, and stood up well to some robust tackles. (8)

9. David McCallan

Withdrawn after an hour, but had already scored the winning goal. (7)

10. Pat McAllister

More like the kind of performance we have come to expect after a series of below-par displays. Packie was obviously mmotivated by the return to his former club. (7)

11. David Williamson

A quietly impressive debut. Took a while to get into the game, but showed promise for the future. (7)

sub Michael Surgeon (for McCallan)

Spurned a good chance soon after comming on, but provided fresh impetus to the Coleraine attack for the second half. (7)

sub Conor McKeever (for Williamson)

Given the last 5 minutes for his second senior appearance. (-)