A large crowd gathered at the Shore Road venue for the match billed as the Title decider. Crusaders fans were out in force, although it must be said that Coleraine supporters did not travel in such numbers as has been seen on other occasions this season. Still, those who made the trip were in party mood and added to a lively atmosphere which built as kick off approached.

After such a prolonged build-up, the first half proved to be pretty awful. Crusaders probably shaded the first 45 minutes, with Brendan Aspinall and Davy o'Hare particularly commanding against the aerial bombardment of the Crues attack.

The second half could only improve, and Coleraine dominated the 2nd 45 minutes. A relentless wave of attacks threatened the home goal, and as the half wore on, so Crusaders began to play for the draw and Coleraine pressed even further. All the best chances came in the final 15 minutes. On 75 minutes, the impressive Sam Shiels rose like a salmon to direct a powerful header past Kevin McKeown - only to see it rebound against the crossbar. Then, Paul Gaston broke through on the left side of the penalty area, to see his low effort well smothered by McKeown. Finally, Danny Shipp appeared to be bundled over inside the area, but George Keatley waved play on.

The longer the game went on, the more time-wasting was evident from the home team. Every clearance was despatched over the stand, every dead ball was deliberated for as long as possible, and every tackle was followed by an extended perios of rolling on the ground demanding attention. Despite this, referee Keatley saw fit to add the grand total of 70 seconds injury time and his premature final whistle was greeted rapturously by the home team and support. The game marked Mr Keatley's retirement from Irish League refereeing, so at least the batteries in his failing stopwatch need not now be replaced.