FOOTBALL: Knight on target as Coleraine beat Cliftonville

Both teams went into the game missing key players.

Stephen Carson put Knight in on goal to grab Coleraine's first, despite appeals for off-side from the visitors.

At the other end McMullan and Donnelly had efforts for Cliftonville.

O'Hare then saved from close range as the Solitude outfit threatened again, this time Ciaran Donaghy getting on the end of a McMullan corner but his header failed to get past the Bannsiders keeper.

Coleraine increased their lead sixty seconds before the interval with a fine goal from Carson after a great move.

Cliftonville's hopes of a comeback suffered a serious setback just six minutes into the second half.

McMullan fouled the ever dangerous Knight and then appeared to stamp on the grounded player and referee Hugh Carvill instantly brandished a red card.

Coleraine made the extra man advantage count on 77 minutes and it was no surprise that it was that man Knight who made the points safe.

Boyce sent the Englishman racing clear and he made no mistake with an emphatic finish - his fifth goal in three games - before being substituted to a standing ovation three minutes later.

Coleraine face a tough test against Glentoran on Tuesday night, the game at the Showgrounds has a 7.45 kick off.