Sam Shiels struk in the last ten minutes to salvage a vital Boxing Day point at Seaview in front of a large travelling support. It was the striker's first goal since October 19th and ironically came just as manager brother Kenny was contemplating taking him off!

The first half was taken by the home side, with a number of chances confidenly dealt with by Wes Lamont. The big keeper made himself a hero on 34 minutes when he dived full-length to save a Stephen Baxter penalty after referee Michael Ross creully judged Goosey Young to have handled Gavin Arthur's cross. If anything, the ball appeared to have played Young's arm from close range but the referee was adamant. Just as Coleraine thought they had weathered the first half storm, a lobbed ball over the top fell into the path of Glenn Hunter who superbly volleyed into the top corner giving Lamont no chance.

Coleraine struggled to find their rhythm in the second half and it wasn't until after the introduction of Conor McKeever and Eddie Cunnington after 55 minutes that they stamped any authorith on the game. The first good chance fell to Greg O'Dowd who beat Kevin McKeown with sa low drive only to see his shot rebound off the base of the post, and a good penalty shout was ignored when a Crusaders defender appeared to handle in the area. Coleraine peservered, however, and got their just reward when Shiels latched onto an Oliver McAuley pass and glanced a header inside the far post. Now Coleraine looked the more likely to snatch a victory, and McCallan and Gaston both went close while Baxter should have been dismissed for a crude thigh-high tackle on Lamont which saw the keeper in need of prolonged attention.

1. Wes Lamont

Man of the Match. A magnificant penalty save capped an outstanding display. (9)

2. Oliver McAuley

Another fine performance from the most improved player in the League. (8)

3. Stuart Clanachan

An assured performance from the young defender. (7)

4. Brendan Aspinall

Fair enough, although he is still to regain the form of earlier in the season. (7)

5. Paul Gaston

Another excellent performance. (8)

6. Eamon Doherty

Quiet, still appears to be short of full fitness. (6)

7. Sam Shiels

Quiet up until the goal - hopefuly this will spark a return to goal-scoring form.. (7)

8. Greg O'Dowd

Unlucky with the shot that cannoned the post, but otherwise quiet.. (6)

9. David McCallan

Another industrious performance. (7)

10. Stephen Young

Another useful display from Goosey (7)

11. Johnny McIvor

It seems to be one good game followed by a couple of poor ones from Johnny. He must find a greater level of consistency. (6)

sub Eddie Cunnington (for Young)

Along with McKeever, he revitalised the game for Coleraine (7)

sub Conor McKeever (for Clanachan)

Unlucky not to start the game (7)

sub Michael Surgeon (for McIvor)

No time to make a real impression (6)