Both defenses were well on top in the first half, with the recalled Davy O'Hare making some vital interceptions in the Coleraine goal, aided on one occasion by a magnificant last-gasp tackle from Brendan Aspinall. At the other end, David McCallan had Coleraine's best chance when he was through one-on-one with the keeper, only to be driven wide and lose the chance. The Glens' prospects were diminished by two separate first half incidents - firstly their influential loan signing Rory Hammill withdrew through injury, and then - on the stroke of half time - defender Chris Walker was dismissed for a blatent off-the-ball kick at McCallan.

Coleraine quickly made the extra man count after the restart. The excellent Oliver McAuley released Davy Williamson on the right, and the Cambridge man's pinpoint cross on the run was met powerfully at the back post by Sam Shiels. A minute later, another Williamson cross split the defence and goalkeeper to allow Jon Forsberg to slide the ball home. Soon afterwards, Glentoran had a couple of good chances to reduce the defecit when substitute Andy Kirk hit the post with O'Hare beaten and Glen Little found space for a rare free header only to direct the ball straight at O'Hare. The game should have been sealed with 12 minutes remaining when Robbie Brunton released Sam Shiels who made no mistake from 10 yards, but the Glens set up a grandstand finish with 2 goals in a minute. First, Glen Little took the ball round O'Hare for 3-1, and then John Devine unleashed a magnificant free kick from 25 yards into the top corner for 3-2. From being well in control with the game comfortably won, Coleraine had to scramble out the last 10 minutes, although Michael Surgeon missed a glorious chance by shooting wide when clean through.

1. Davy O'Hare

A steady return to first tean action. (7)

2. Oliver McAuley

Another good performance - strong contender for MoM. (8)

3. Robbie Brunton

Excellent ball for the third goal. (7)

4. Brendan Aspinall

Combined well with Gaston to snuff out the threat of Little (8)

5. Paul Gaston

Injured in a bad-looking tackle after about an hour. (7)

6. Stephen Young

Tried hard and added steel to the midfield. (6)

7. David Williamson

Great crosses for the first two goals. It will be an interesting battle when Greg O'Dowd returns to full fitness. (8)

8. Sam Shiels

Man of the Match. Good to see a return to goalscoring form. (8)

9. David McCallan

Clean through twice but failed to convert on either occasion. (7)

10. Pat McAllister

Booked again - suspension looms. (7)

11. Jon Forsberg

Another good performance - hugged the touchline well. (7)

sub Michael Surgeon (for McCallan)

Clean through and missed - doesn't look as effective as a sub as when he is able to play himself into a game. (6)

sub Conor McKeever (for Gaston)

Competant (6)

sub Greg O'Dowd (for Williamson)

Good to see Greg back. Provided a beautiful flick. (6)