Portadown started in top gear and Coleraine had to weather an early storm. Ollie McAuley in particular looked vulnerable at times during this early period, but some tigerish tackling by Pat McAllister and Paul Gaston saw Coleraine assert some influence, and the match settled down into a more even pattern. Conor McKeever, starting his first game for the Bannsiders, had the first real effort from 25 yards, and further strikes from McAllister and Forsberg kept the Ports' keeper on his toes. Portadown opened the scoring after 28 minutes when Garry Haylock broke clear on the right wing and cut inside, beating Lamont with a powerful shot at the near post. There was no further scoring in the first half, although Forsburg again went close just before the interval.

The second half opened with some more enterprising Coleraine play, and it seemed that the goals would surely come. 15 minutes into the second period Coleraine scored a contraversial equaliser. Pat McAllister robbed Robert Casey just outside the Portadown penalty area with what was clearly a foul tackle. As the referee waved play on, the ball was slipped to David McCallan who made no mistake from 12 yards. Having got back on level terms, Coleraine began to sense that all three points were there for the taking, and when substitute Johnny McIvor crossed from the right, Jon Forsburg slotted home from about 8 yards. With only 5 minutes to go, victory looked assured but in the second minute of injury time Portadown launched a last attack down the left. The cross was a poor one, but Conor McKeever's clearance was even worse and fell at the feet of Paul Carlyle who hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner. No sooner had Coleraine kicked off after the goal than the final whistle brought proceedings to a halt.

Despite the late disapointment, this result and performance fully justify Coleraine's title aspirations. With the exception of Linfield we have now played every team in the Premier and results and performances show that we are at least as good as any of them. All pre- season fears of relegation should now be banished, and it is time to start thinking seriously of a title challenge. The weeks to come will tell the story.

1. Wes Lamont

Possibly at fault for the first goal, but otherwise sound. (7)

2. Oliver McAuley

Played OK after a shaky start, but not one of Ollie's best performances. (6)

3. Robbie Brunton

Good tackling kept Portadown quiet on the right wing and excellent distribution launched many Coleraine attacks. (7)

4. Brendan Aspinall

Much improved from last weeek. (7)

5. Paul Gaston

Majestic performance but unlucky to be injured with about 20 minutes to go. Possibly his best display of the season so far. (8)

6. Conor McKeever

Excellent full debut. Unlucky to present Portadown the chance for the equaliser. (7)

7. Sam Shiels

Always industrious. Dropped back to a midfield role when Gaston retired injured. (7)

8. Greg O'Dowd

A partial return to form for Greg. Kept the Ports' defence busy, but without really threatening. (6)

9. David McCallan

Took his goal well and was an effective leader of the line. (8)

10. Pat McAllister

Man of the Match. An inspired midfield performance from Packie with tigerish tacklig and incisive passing. (9)

11. Jon Forsburg

Another excellent performance capped by a well-taken goal. (8)

sub Michael Surgeon (for Gaston)

Slotted in to an attacking role beside McCallan. (6)

sub Johnny McIvor (for O'Dowd)

Produced the cross for the 2nd goal. (6)