GULF WAR

Coleraine progressed to the third round of the competition courtesy of a 5-2 win at a rain-soaked Riada Stadium prompting Platt to claim the result was evidence of a gulf in class between the Premiership and Championship.

The Bannsiders had led the game 3-0 courtesy of goals from Darren Boyce (2) and David Scullion before Tommy Elder and Ricky Nicholl hit back for the plucky hosts.

But late strikes from Scullion and Stephen Lowry put the match out of Glebe's reach in the last 10 minutes of the derby clash.

"In the end it was very comfortable for us," said Platt afterwards.

"The game looked dead and buried at 3-0, perhaps some of the players thought that and took their foot off the pedal a bit. Glebe then made a game of it for about five minutes, but we upped it again and scored another two goals and probably could have scored an awful lot more.

"It sums up the gulf between the Premiership and Championship and I'm pleased with the five goals we've scored. I'm not so pleased with the two conceded as against better opposition that could really cost us.

"It comes down to someone getting a bit lax, complacent maybe, thinking the game is over and I hope the players have learned their lesson today. "But then at 3-2 we upped it again for another five minute spell and scored two goals and created three or four other good chances, which all in all shows how easy it was in the end. "Apart from their long throw, they didn't have much to offer.

"It helped we had been here in pre-season, so we knew what to expect. "Lots of long throws and pressure from set pieces and it's pleasing that we dealt with them well throughout."

Speaking to Times Sport on Monday, Scott said Coleraine had shown Glebe a lack or respect throughout the tie, compounded with Platt's comments in the aftermath of the game.

"I'm deeply disappointed with the derogatory nature of the comments made by Davy Platt about our CIS Cup game," said Scott.

"The undercurrent of disrespect for me and my players flowed through virtually every sentence.

"I can accept any personal criticism of myself but won't allow any disrespecting of my club or players go unchecked.

"The reality is that we were architects of our own downfall in terms of individual errors gifting them five goals.

"That is not acceptable from our point of view if we want to win football matches.

"Having said that we went into the last 10 minutes of the game with the score perched at 3-2 so how David sees this as in any way as summing up the gulf in class between Premiership and Championship I am quite unsure.

"Several Championship sides deservedly remain in the competition and a few others mirrored our own honourable efforts by pushing senior opposition very close.

"The only gulf that is evident between Coleraine and Glebe Rangers apart from the obvious financial one is the fact that my players fought and played as a team for each other with genuine spirit and love for the tie hence the ability to force the game back to 3-2 after being three down.

"I hope for David's sake that his players have that strength of character, unity and fitness to do the same if faced with a similar situation. I am a very inexperienced manager learning my trade at this point in time, but I am no fool. "Upon getting the Glebe job I sought counsel from other genuine football people in the area, Davy being one such person.

"When I asked David for advice on several situations I found him very helpful and this was much appreciated. This is why I am so personally disappointed with his comments.

"Pressure affects people in different ways and the lack of humility being shown in these comments is maybe trying to mask some underlying problems that Coleraine have.

"Everyone associated with Glebe acted correctly on Saturday and that is the only way we will operate irrespective of who we play or when we play them. Any fan who braved the downpour to watch Coleraine work very hard to win in a full-blooded cup tie will get the full respect of Glebe Rangers. Sadly David seems unable to reciprocate that sportsmanship towards us. That for me is where the true gulf in class has lay on this occasion."