The match started at a high tempo, with Finn Harps' close passing game paying dividends in terms of quality posession without creating any real chances. In the early stages, the Coleraine defence were reduced to hitting long clearances out of defence where McCallan and Shiels were unable to hang onto the ball, so returning the initiative to the visitors. After about 20 minutes however, Coleraine started to get to grips with the game and settled into their own neat passing football. A spell of Coleraine pressure paid off after about 30 minutes when a move on the right hand side saw Eamon Doherty (playing his first full game since his return) hit a low curling ball behind the defence where David McCallan pounced at the back post. The remainder of the first half saw Coleraine exhert further pressure and right on the half time whistle Michael Surgeon found himself in a good position only to be beaten to the draw by the referee who blew for half time just as the shot was to be taken.

The second half opened as the first had done, with Finn Harps well on top while Coleraine struggled to keep posession for any significant amount of time. The visitors got their reward when Oliver McAuley bought a dummy on the edge of the penalty area and tripped an attacker as he turned inside. There were no complaints about the award of the spot-kick which was easily converted. Coleraine then began to press forward in earnest, and after a couple of near misses, Eamon Doherty capped his return to action with a misshit shot from 12 yards which found the corner of the goal. Extra time loomed although Coleraine continued to press forward for the winner, while the visitors seemed to be more content to settle for the extra period. The introduction of Johnny McIvor lifted the team, and with 10 minutes remaining McIvor jinked in from the left wing and rolled a weak shot against the base of the post. Then, with only 2 minutes to the end of normal time, Finn Harps put together a by-now rare attack. The ball was crossed deep from left to right and the right winger gathered the ball and shot inside Lamont's near post. There was hardly time for Coleraine to put together a meaningful counter as the referee signalled the end of the contest and the end of Coleraine's defence of the trophy.

1. Wes Lamont

Possibly at fault for the second equaliser. Otherwise Wes had very little to do. (6)

2. Oliver McAuley

Conceeded the penalty with an awkward challenge. Otherwise adequate. (6)

3. Conor McKeever

Never looked happy when acting in a defensive role, but provided a steady supply of useful balls when on the attack. (7)

4. Brendan Aspinall

4. Distribution poor at times. (6)

5. Stephen Young

The most assured of the defensive quartet - dealt well with the threat posed by Speake. (7)

6. Eamon Doherty

Man of the Match. The main bright spot on a dismal evening was the return of the Doc. Scored one and set up the other. (8)

7. Sam Shiels

Withdrawn very early due to injury. Did not have time to make an impression. (-)

8. Greg O'Dowd

Another quiet performance from Greg. Uncharacteristically poor delivery of corners and free kicks. (6)

9. David McCallan

Took his goal well and worked hard throughout. (7)

10. Pat McAllister

Not one of Packie's best performances. Struggled to get into the game. (6)

11. Jon Forsberg

The Viking Raider needs an injection of confidence to get back to the level of performance shown in his first few appearances. (6)

sub Michael Surgeon (for Shiels)

Played almost the whole game and had a couple of good opportunities. Surgey has a tendancy to stray offside when he plays as one of the front runners. (7)

sub Johnny McIvor (for Forsberg)

Lifted the crowd and the team when he appeared with 20 minutes to go, but only produced one good run which saw his weak finish strike the base of the post. (7)