Dublin debutant Liam Kelly gave the Glentoran Irish League Premier Division title defence a winning start at Coleraine. Kelly, signed from Shelbourne on a three-month contract, hit the first goal in a 2-1 victory for the reigning champions.

The match had a sour note with new Coleraine central defender, John Devine, running the gauntlet of Glentoran fans angered by his departure from the Oval.

Devine, a Glentoran player for 14 years and an inspirational captain during their run to the championship, had a wad of fake banknotes thrown at him.

There was more disciplinary trouble, too, with controversial referee, Alan Snoddy, sending off three players as Cliftonville caused the shock of the day by defeating Newry Town 3-2.

Snoddy dismissed Newry players, Shane Reddish and Adrian Larkin, and Cliftonville striker, Jody Tolan.

A week earlier he ordered three players off during the Charity Shield final between Glentoran and Portadown.