A second-half collapse would condemn Coleraine to a heavy defeat against Cliftonville at Solitude…
The Bannsiders would make one alteration for the contest as Lee Harkin started in place of the suspended Dean Jarvis who was forced to sit out due to the accumulation of five yellow cards.
Both teams would forge out early opportunities as Joe Gormley and Lyndon Kane had sights of goal at both ends, with Gormley then rattling the crossbar on 8 minutes from just outside the box.
On 17 minutes, Coleraine were within a matter of inches from taking the lead as good football resulted in Andy Scott’s cross just missing a vital touch by the outstretched Matthew Shevlin.
However, the deadlock would be broken on 37 minutes as a corner kick was headed on by Jonny Addis at the far post and the instinctive Gormley was in the right place at the right time to head home from close range.
Coleraine made two changes just before and on half-time as Stephen Lowry and David McDaid were introduced at the expense of Jamie Glackin and Lee Harkin.
The hosts would start the second-half how they ended the first by being in total control as Chris Gallagher fired inches wide, although McDaid would see his attempt saved by David Odumosu at the other end after Shevlin robbed Addis in possession.
Jim Magilton’s men would double their advantage on 53 minutes with Gormley the benefactor to tap-in yet again from a corner after Gallagher was denied at close range by Coleraine ‘keeper Martin Gallagher.
Just five minutes later, the onslaught would continue as Lyndon Kane lost possession and this allowed Sean Stewart to burst forward and the on-loan full-back crossed for Ben Wilson who blasted home following a near post run.
On 63 minutes, there would be a fourth for the Reds as Gormley completed his hat-trick. The Stripes would switch off from a quick throw-in and after pin-ball in the area, the veteran striker couldn’t miss to make it 4-0.
A final goal for Cliftonville would be bagged on 80 minutes as a quick counter-attack allowed the in-form Wilson to simply pass the ball into the net with a well-taken finish to complete the rout.
A chastening night for Coleraine who now must respond against Crusaders on Saturday.
CLIFTONVILLE: Odumosu, Pepper, Stewart, Addis, Gallagher (C. Curran ’81 mins), Rory Hale (Kearney ’81 mins), Doherty, Gormley (Berry ’71 mins), Casey (Kenny ‘88 mins), Turner, Wilson (Corrigan ’87 mins).
Subs Not Used: Gartside (GK), Jordan.
COLERAINE: Gallagher, Kane, Kelly, McKendry, Shevlin (Mitchell ’71 mins), Carson (A. Jarvis ’81 mins), Lynch, Glackin (Lowry ’45 mins), Cole, Harkin (McDaid ’46 mins), Scott (Wallace ’81 mins).
Subs Not Used: Donnelly (GK), Devine.
Referee: Jamie Robinson