Coleraine skipper Paul Gaston was sent-off at the Showgrounds

The Belfast visitors took an eighth minute lead when Gary Kennedy finished after a one-two with Mark Holland.

Holland was again the provider for the second goal on 24 minutes with Sean Friars heading home his cross.

Coleraine hopes of a comeback faded when captain Paul Gaston was dismissed two minutes after the break for a second bookable offence.

The centre-half received his second yellow for a foul on Ciaran McMullan.

Indeed, the Bannsiders were lucky not to suffer a heavier defeat against the in-form Reds.

McMullan wasted a great first-half chance while Declan O'Hara was denied by a brilliant save by Davy O'Hara in the dying minutes.

Cliftonville have now lost just once in their last 10 matches under new manager Eddie Patterson.