Colin Nixon scored from the spot to give Glentoran a 1-0 win

A penalty by Colin Nixon in the 50th minute was enough to give Roy Coyle's side their fourth successive victory in the championship.

The spot-kick was awarded after Coleraine defender Gary Haveron had brought down striker Michael Halliday.

Nixon tucked it away to send the Glens jumping over title rivals Linfield and Portadown at the top of the table.

It was Nixon's first goal in the league this season, his only other being the crucial winner against FC Allianssi in the Uefa Cup back in July.

Coleraine's best chance was a Jody Tolan header which went just wide.

Near the end Glentoran's Shaun Holmes almost made it 2-0 but his left-foot shot struck the crossbar.

There was a big talking point just before half-time when Darren Lockhart went down in the penalty area after appearing to be hit by Pat McAllister's elbow.

After consulting an assistant, the referee showed a yellow card to McAllister who had recently returned to action after a 15-match suspension.

Daily Mirror Irish Premier League
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