Joel Cooper and Jamie McGonigle were on target as Coleraine defeated bottom side Glenavon 2-0 at the Showgrounds.

The Bannsiders broke the deadlock midway through the opening half through leading scorer Joel Cooper.

On-loan Lincoln City winger Zane Okoro, set clear by Mark Coyle, raced down the right before cutting the ball back into the path of the former Linfield man who took a touch before blasting low to the net from 12 yards.

He could have added a second shortly after but his volley went just the wrong side of the crossbar after Will Patching's corner had been cleared to him on the edge of the penalty area.

At the other end, Jordan McMullan wasted a good chance for the visitors when he blasted a volley high over the bar from 25 yards.

Glenavon started the second half on the front foot and Gavin Gilmore came close to levelling just before the hour.

Peter Campbell began the move just inside the Coleraine and when the ball was transferred to Gilmore 15 yards from goal his effort narrowly missed the target.

And the visitors were made to pay with just over 10 minutes remaining when sub Jamie McGonigle doubled Coleraine's advantage.

Dylan Boyle's pass with the outside of his foot released Dean Jarvis on the left wing and he crossed first time for McGonigle to race in and slip the ball under Jacob Carney for his fourth of the season.

The victory sees Ruadhri Higgins' men remain hot on the heels of leaders Larne whilst opening a gap on Glentoran back in third.

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