COLERAINE have proved they are made of the right stuff by bouncing back to the top of the Irish League table with a 3-2 victory over Portadown at Shamrock Park on Saturday. Even a debut goal from Dubliner Vinny Arkins, the former Shelbourne and Notts County striker, could not prevent the reigning champions, Portadown, losing out.

There are only nine matches remaining and the prospects of Coleraine - who were first division champions last season - making it a title double have to be seriously regarded. They are two points in front of Crusaders, who will try to make up the difference at the Showgrounds next Saturday, having been held to a 1-1 draw by Glentoran at Seaview.

Linfield crashed to another shock defeat, this time to Cliftonville, at Windsor Park, while a late goal from Dubliner Tony Grant saved Glenavon a point at Newtownards.