The coronation of Coleraine as First Division champions has coincided with a furious debate over the future shape of top flight football in Northern Ireland.

There is growing disenchantment with the current eight and eight set-up and a groundswell in favour of a return to the former 16 club format. This will be strongly resisted by virtually all the Premier Division clubs whose lobby will be joined by newly promoted Coleraine.

"Surely we have not been through all this for nothing", said their manager, Kenny Shiels.

"We want to see promotion and relegation and a top division retained but would welcome discussions on making alterations, providing they are not implemented immediately", said Glenavon chairman, Adrian Teer.

In the Premier Division Glenavon beat Glentoran 2-1 at the Oval while leaders Crusaders drew 1-1 with Portadown.