IRISH LEAGUE: Coleraine cruise past Cliftonville

Coleraine warmed up for their Europa League play-off tie with Glentoran on Friday night with a convincing win over Cliftonville.

Brad Lyons put the Bannsiders in front in the first half with Neil McCafferty firing in a brace from the spot in the second half to give Oran Kearney’s men a deserved win.

The hosts made a number of changes with skipper Howard Beverland and Ruaidhri Higgins on the bench with next week’s Europa League Play-off in mind.

Beverland only had his seat for 18 minutes though as he was called into action following an injury to the unfortunate David Ogilby.

Up to that point chances had been at a premium Ruairi Harkin and James Knowles had long distance efforts at both ends, which sailed high, wide and not so handsome.

Neil McCafferty went closer on eight minutes forcing Conor Devlin into a smart save.

Sammy Morrow also went close on 20 minutes after picking the ball up outside the box, but he curled his shot just wide of the upright.

Six minutes later Rodney Brown glanced a header across the face of goal for the Bannsiders.

The Bannsiders broke the deadlock on 40 minutes after some good hold up play by Morrow. He slipped a pass to Brad Lyons, who colly slotted past Devlin.

It should have been 2-0 at the break, but Parkhill’s effort was blocked by Devlin.