Coleraine were missing David McCallan and Paul Gaston through injury, with the latter at least considered fit enough to take a place among the substitutes, and the shallowness of the squad was exposed as Linfield tore into their hosts on a quest for revenge for their Irish Cup defeat 10 days earlier. It took only 5 minutes for the Blues to open the scoring. Tony Gorman sent Stephen McBride clear of the offside trap and as Wes Lamont raced from his goal, McBride calmly lifted the ball over his head into the empty goal. Coleraine could have snatched an undeserved equaliser 10 minutes later when Stuart McLean missed a long clearance from Lamont, but McIvor fired over the crossbar. Linfield always looked the more likely to score however, and the home side had a lucky escape when Tony Gorman's trademark 25-yard piledriver rebounded from the frame of the goal with Lamont well beaten. The second goal had to come and it duly arrived after half an hour. McIvor's careless backflick landed nicely for Cleland who released Barker to cross dangerously. Lamont managed to parry the cross, but the ball struck the unfortunate Stephen Young and rebounded into the net past the prosrtate goalkeeper.

Coleraine rung the changes at half time introducing Paul Gaston and Robbie Brunton into the action and the reshuffle paid dividends in an improved second half performance.The defence appeared more solid - restricting Linfield to a couple of speculative long-range efforts - although the home side's first shot on target didn't arrive until the 80th minute when a Shiels effort was easily dealt with by Robert Robinson. It would have hardly mattered, since 15 minuted earlier Linfield made the game safe with their third goal - incredibly a second own goal by Stephen Young. This time the architect was former Bannsiders' hero Tony Gorman, who floated a corner into the six yard box and the unluckiest Goose in the town glanced the ball past the despairing Lamont. The introduction of Michael Surgeon with 10 minutes to go perked up the Coleraine attack, and when Cunnington was upended as he burst into the box Robbie Brunton converted the consolation penalty.

1. Wes Lamont

Could have done better for the first goal, but made one incredible stop from Gorman. (7)

2. Oliver McAuley

Made some strong tackles, but was outstripped by McBride too many times for comfort. (7)

3. Eamon Doherty

Less than impressive - although that could be said about many players. (5)

4. Brendan Aspinall

Man of the Match. One of the few Coleraine men to emerge with credit, Brendan was a commanding figure in the heart of an over-worked defence (8)

5. Stephen Young

The unluckiest man on the park. Goosey was more than unfortunate to score two own goals, although to his credit, he never used this as a cover to shirk from his responsibilities. (7)

6. Eddie Cunnington

Didn't really contribute anything until the last 10 minutes when Coleraine at last raised the tempo. Eddie's performances have dipped lately and he must do better to earn an extended contract. (5)

7. Sam Shiels

Worked hard but for little end product. (7)

8. Conor McKeever

Another below-par performer. (6)

9. Danny Shipp

Was unable to hold up the ball sufficiently to relieve the pressure on the defence. (6)

10. Pat McAllister

Typified the general substandard performance from the midfield. (8)

11. Johnny McIvor

I thought that Johnny looked quite sharp in the first half - but Kenny Shiels obviously didn't agree as he substituted him at half time. (7)

sub Paul Gaston (for Doherty)

Tightened the defence when he made his return from injury at half time - but by then the damage had been done. (7)

sub Robbie Brunton (for McKeever)

Showed enough to suggest that a return to the starting line up could be imminent. (7)

sub Michael Surgeon (for McIvor)

Shold have entered the fray much earlier, as his industrious presence sparked the home team into life. (7)