Kenny Shiels had attempted to lift his troops before the game with a video screening of some of their best early-season performances, and they responded by going onto the attack from the first kick-off, forcing a 1st minute corner which Pat McAllister headed just past the post. In the second minute however, Coleraine fell behind. A long ball through from Haylock found Casey and he raced through to fire low past Wes Lamont. Two minutes later, the visitors equalised after forcing another corner. Johnny McIvor floated the ball across, and Paul Gaston powered home an unstoppable header. 10 minutes later, Coleraine took the lead. Greg O'Dowd received the ball in midfield and played a sweet one-two with Sam Shiels before hitting a dipping drive into the top corner. Coleraine extended their lead after 20 minutes from another McIvor corner. This time it was Pat McAllister who met the ball with his head, and although Dalton got his hand to the ball he could not keep it out. Portadown responded with a couple of good attacks but Wes Lamont was equal to the task - pulling off a couple of magnificant saves. Lamont's only mistake came right at the end of the half when he misjudged a Raymond Byrne header, but it rebounded off the crossbar and Coleraine survived until Herbie Barr's whistle brought the first period to an end.

With a strong wind at their backs, Portadown were always going to be a handful in the second half and only the aerial strength of Gaston and Aspinall and the agility of Lamont kept the two-goal margin intact. Coleraine too had chances during this period, and a series of free-flowing attacks showed definate signs of an understanding beginning to develop between Shipp and Shiels. With 25 minutes remaining Portadown pulled a goal back. They won a free kick on the left and as the ball was lifted into the area, new signing Vinny Atkins won his first header of the afternoon and guided the ball into the corner. The scene was set for a grandstand finish and the tensions of the crowd was transferred to the players when Greg O'Dowd was sent off after a tussle with Davidson. It was difficult to understand how O'Dowd could be singled out for punishment, but Davidson evened things up within a minute after being dismissed himself for a crude tackle on Oliver McAuley. Tension increased as the game drew to an end, and the heartrate of the travelling Coleraine fans was quickened further when Portadown hit the crossbar from one of a spate of injury-time corners. This proved to be the last attempt on goal however, and the final whistle which signalled Coleraine's first league victory in 11 attempts and their return to the top of the table was enthusiastically greeted.

1. Wes Lamont

Man of the Match. At least 4 match-winning saves although one moment of hesitation in the first half almost cost a goal. (9)

2. Oliver McAuley

Coleraine's most consistent player put in another excellent performance. (8)

3. Robbie Brunton

Restored to the starting lineup, Robbie hardly put a foot wrong. (8)

4. Brendan Aspinall

Continuing his recent return to form. (9)

5. Paul Gaston

His first full game back after injury (and his 201st appearance for the club) and Gacky was as sure-footed as ever. (8)

6. Eamon Doherty

Returned to midfield and showed that he has regained some of his form from earlier in the season. (7)

7. Sam Shiels

Continued his recent return to form. Showing signs of forging a good understanding with Shipp. (7)

8. Greg O'Dowd

A day to remember for Greg - a majestic long-range strike for the second goal and then an unfortunate dismissal in the second half. (7)

9. Danny Shipp

An excellent performance from the new signing. Very much improved over last week's display, Shipp showed combined a high workrate with some nice touches. (8)

10. Pat McAllister

A quieter performance from the skipper - demonstrated his aerial power with the match-winning goal. (7)

11. Johnny McIvor

Another good performance from the Wizard of Newbuildings. Johnny seems to benefit from the presence of O'Dowd on the other wing. (8)

sub David McCallan (for Shiels)

Returned after injury for a 10 minute run out. (7)

sub Stephen Young (for McIvor)

Came on to bolster the midfield after the dismissal of O'Dowd. (7)