Coleraine never got going in the first half, with the absence through illness of Sam Shiels leaving David McCallan isolated up front. Too often, the ball was worked forward only to see McCallan outnumbered and lose posession. Glentoran deservedly took the lead after 28 minutes, when Stevie Livingston started a move on the right wing and moved into the area where he found time to collect a return, change feet and fire into the net. The remainder of the first half saw little incident, and the referee's whistle to end the period was a welcome respite.

Despite what must have been a severe half-time dressing down from Kenny Shiels, Coleraine started the second half as they had finished the first - in a very low gear. Ten minutes into the second period, however, Coleraine made a double substitution, introducing Eamon Doherty and Michael Surgeon. From the moment Doherty entered the arena, Coleraine were the better side. The Doc was hungry for posession and instigated a number of dangerous moves which threatened to bring the equaliser. After 70 minutes, Glentoran were awarded a free kick about 40 yards from the Coleraine goal. A minor scuffle broke out in the penalty area and, after consulting both linesmen, Alan Snoddy sent off both Paul Gaston and Tom McCourt. It is hard to say what they were guilty of other than a bit of pushing and shoving, and television pictures also failed to pick up any serious misconduct. Coleraine continued to press and both Brendan Aspinall and David McCallan went close before Pat McAllister had a close range header deflected round the post by a Glentoran defender - only for the referee's assistant to indicate a corner. The enraged McAllister then spoke out of turn to the official and also received his marching orders.

1. Wesley Lamont

Had no chance with the goal and was otherwise untroubled. (7)

2. Oliver McAuley

Man of the Match. In a game lacking in outstanding individuals, Ollie was a constant presence in both defending and attacking roles. (8)

3. Robbie Brunton

A good, solid performance (7)

4. Brendan Aspinall

Brendan's passing leaves a lot to be desired, although he got forward well after Gaston had been sent off. (6)

5. Paul Gaston

Unlucky to be dismissed for a fairly innocuous tussle. (6)

6. Stephen Young

Solid, if unspectacular performance from the Goose. (7)

7. Conor McKeever

Yet another different shirt for McKeever, but he failed to make any impression on the game. (6)

8. Greg O'Dowd

Good in patches, but anonymous for long periods. (7)

9. David McCallan

Had to do the work of two men and was easily crowded out by the home defence. (7)

10. Pat McAllister

Must control his temper - a needless sending off will cost him a long suspension over the vital Christmas period. (7)

11. Johnny McIvor

Failed to provide adequate support to McCallan. (6)

sub Eamon Doherty (for Young)

Ran the show for the 35 minutes that he played. The Doc must be a starter for future games. (8)

sub Michael Surgeon (for McKeever)

Provided welcome assistance to McCallan, but failed to have any real impact on the game. (6)