Calvin Howarth scored Glasgow's only points

The visitors had produced a stirring early display to keep the scoreline level at the break, however two defensive lapses in quick succession allowed Ulster to seize control when it mattered most.

Glasgow pinned the home side back in their own 22 for the first ten minutes, but for all their positive effort they could only snatch three points when Calvin Howarth kicked a penalty after good work from Scott Lawson, Graeme Beveridge and Steve Swindall.

Ulster were spurred into action, and a surge from Kieran Campbell and Paul Shields soon forced Glasgow into giving away a penalty, which was converted by Adam Larkin.

While the Irishmen continued to enjoy territorial advantage, Glasgow still looked menacing on the break. Play continued to flow from end to end, with both Larkin and Howarth missing penalties before the interval.

Ulster came out of the blocks quickest and stormed back into the attack from the restart, edging in front with Larkin’s next penalty. The score came in the wake of a powerful line-out drive following a break from Matt McCullough.

However, Glasgow replied in positive fashion with several slick midfield moves, but again they couldn't make real inroads against the solid home defence and a try still evaded them.

Then came the double blow which effectively ended the match as a contest. First, the sniping Campbell created the time and space for prop Simon Best to plough over, with Larkin adding the conversion.

Glasgow's marking frailties were shown up again on the hour mark when winger Tommy Bowe brushed off four ineffective challenges to reach the line from 35 metres out.

Test centre Kevin Maggs added Ulster's third try immediately after Glasgow substitute Ben Prescott was yellow carded. And Howe's stoppage-time touchdown, goaled by Paddy Wallace, earned a precious bonus point.

Report by Marion Trace from The Scotsman