Coleraine have a fighting chance of progressing in this season’s Setanta Sports Cup following Monday night’s 1-0 win over Shamrock Rovers.
David Scullion bagged the only goal of this first round, first leg clash at Tallaght Stadium to give the Bannsiders a slender advantage going into next week’s return tie at the Showgrounds.
Scullion struck in first half injury time when he raced onto Paul Owens’ pass before lifting his shot over the advancing Barry Murphy.
Meanwhile, Cliftonville’s participation in this season’s Setanta Cup appears to be over after a heavy defeat against Cork City.
The Reds – who made a raft of changes to the side that defeated Donegal Celtic at the weekend – lost 4-0 at Turner’s Cross.
Tommy Breslin’s men were one down after 16 minutes when Gearoid Morrissey fired home from 25 yards.
Ian Turner doubled the advantage with a 26th-minute penalty and then added a third with a 25-yard free-kick in first half injury-time.
The scoring was completed when Daryl Kavanagh glanced home a header to make it 4-0 going into next Monday’s return leg at Solitude..
Elsewhere, Portadown lost out in a five-goal thriller against Drogheda United.
Ronnie McFall’s men came from two goals down before eventually losing 3-2 at Honky Dorys Park.
Ryan Brennan gave Drogheda the lead in the eighth minute before Paul O’Connor doubled the lead six minutes later.
To their credit Portadown responded with gusto to level proceedings before the break.
Aaron Burns made it 2-1 with a good finish in the 25th minute and then captain Kevin Braniff drew the sides level on 43 minutes.
Drogheda snatched a first leg lead when Gavin Brenann bagged the winner on the hour mark
Also on Monday night Glentoran earned a resilient 0-0 draw against St Patrick’s Athletic.
Eddie Patterson’s men impressed but couldn’t find the breakthrough at Richmond Park but will look to make home advantage count next Monday.
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