Newry were watched by their new Director of Football Trevor Anderson, and they were obviously fired up for the game. The visitors' game plan soon became appparent - stop Coleraine from scoring and try to steal a goal if the opportunity presented itself - and they nearly succeeded in their aim. The first half was a very turgid affair, with Coleraine unable to break through the massed ranks of Newry defenders, and indeed the visitors came closest to scoring when Gary Hughes crashed a volley against the crossbar on a rare excursion into the Coleraine half. The closest Coleraine had come in this period was when David McCallan appeared to have forced the ball over the line, only for the referee to judge that the Newry defender had cleared it in the nick of time.

The second period could only improve, and Coleraine were sparked into life by the introduction of Michael Surgeon on 54 minutes. Now it was all Coleraine, and a number of changes gould and should have produced the elusive goal. Firstly, Eamon Doherty had a header from a Cunnington cross cleared. Then a through ball from Doc released Sam Shiels, whose fierce drive was well parried by the impressive McCorry before Scappaticci blocked McCallan's effort from the rebound. McCallan, Gaston and Cunnington all went close in the closing stages but there was to be no way through.

1. David O'Hare

Had almost nothing to do as all the action was at the other end. (7)

2. Oliver McAuley

One of the more impressive Coleraine performances on the night. (7)

3. Robbie Brunton

Badly out of form. Robbie's passing was far from its usual high standard. (5)

4. Brendan Aspinall

Continues his recent improvement. (7)

5. Paul Gaston

Played most of the second half in a forward role and was a dangerous presence in the opposition penalty area. (7)

6. Eamon Doherty

Quiet. Eamon is yet to regain his early-season form. (6)

7. Sam Shiels

In desperate need of a rest. Nothing Sam tried came off. (5)

8. Greg O'Dowd

Reacted angrily to being withdrawn, but hadn't contributed much up to that point. (6)

9. David McCallan

Man of the Match. Always looked the most likely Coleraine player to score. The usual high work rate. (8)

10. Stephen Young

Not as effective as we have come to expect. (6)

11. Eddie Cunnington

Produced his best performance so far in a Coleraine shirt. Unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. (7)

sub Michael Surgeon(for O'Dowd)

Surgey added a bit of life to the attack and was at the centre of most Coleraine attacks after he came on. (7)