Super Stripes are Cup Heroes

colerainefc.com reflects on the day the Bannsiders lifted the Irish Cup for the first time since 1977 as Jody Tolan’s winner edged out Glentoran seventeen years ago…

Date:

Saturday, May 3, 2003

Result:

Coleraine 1-0 Glentoran

Goal – Tolan (’11 mins)

Report:

Coleraine ended their trophy famine by stunning Premier League champions Glentoran in Saturday’s Nationwide Irish Cup final at Windsor Park.

Jody Tolan grabbed the only goal of the final in the 11th minute to take the cup to the north-west coast for the first time since 1977.

Glentoran had been aiming to complete a clean sweep of domestic trophies in Northern Ireland.

But they were left disappointed as Marty Quinn, a winner as a player with Portadown in 1979, celebrated cup success as a manager for the first time.

It was a first major medal for Coleraine skipper Pat McAllister who had extra cause for celebration as he lifted the man of the match award.

Tolan was credited with the goal even though his shot came off Glentoran’s Andy Smith after striking an upright.

Coleraine, with wind advantage, had the best of the first half.

But in the second Glentoran piled on the pressure and Tim McCann saw two efforts clip the crossbar.

However, Coleraine who had a goal disallowed in the first half, held on for their memorable and long-awaited triumph.

Manager Quinn was overjoyed after the final whistle.

“I am so proud to be manager of this team because they are the best bunch of lads in the Irish League and have the greatest character,” said the Bannsiders’ boss.

Commiserations to Glentoran, they have had a great year. But this is our day and we are going to enjoy it.

“Let’s look back four or five months when people were saying I had signed bad players and did not know what I was doing. This proves I was right.”

Line-ups:

COLERAINE: O’Hare, Clanachan, Flynn, Gaston, McAuley, Beatty, Gorman, Hamill, Tolan, McAllister (Armstrong ’87 mins), McCoosh.

Subs Not Used: McHugh, Curran.

GLENTORAN: Morris, Nixon, Glendinning, Leeman, Young, Smyth, Tim McCann, Lockhart (O’Neill ’45 mins), Smith, Armour (Halliday ’65 mins), Timothy McCann (Walker ’72 mins).

Referee:

Leslie Irvine