Coleraine have been ruthless in front of goal this season and scored 32 goals in 15 matches, but Linfield’s strong defensive set up limited them to few chances in the final third as they failed to score in a league game for just the second time this season.
Many had thought that Joel Cooper would play a key role in the game on a big pitch that he knows well from his two spells at the Blues.
However, the centre-back pairing of Isaac Baird, who has moved from midfield to defence this season, and Ben Hall helped to limit Cooper and fellow attacker Matthew Shevlin’s opportunities.
Coleraine made four changes straight after Linfield’s second goal on 52 minutes but still could not break down the Blues’ defence and did not register a shot on target in the second half.
David Healy’s side have conceded the joint fewest number of goals in the Irish Premiership with 11 in their opening 15 games.
Fellow title challengers Larne have struggled with conceding poor goals, while the Bannsiders have let in five more than the Blues.
If Healy’s side can continue their defensive solidity, it could be a key platform to build on in their quest for the Gibson Cup.
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