Both Academy sides where in action in their respective league campaigns on Friday and Saturday.
First up where Crusaders U18's who played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with Ballymena United U18's at Seaview on Friday night. Crusaders U18's raced into a 3-0 lead in 32 minutes with Aaron Ellis scoring twice and Joshua Ritchie getting the other. Ballymena United U18's hit back in devastating fashion and in six minutes before half time had brought it back to 3-3. Crusaders U18's went ahead again on 51 minutes when Aaron Ellis got his hat trick and the teams fourth only too see Ballymena United U18's equalise six minutes later again to make it 4-4. Both sides pushed for the winner but neither could hit the net again and 4-4 it ended leaving Crusaders U18's fourth in the table.
Crusaders U16's fell to a 3-1 defeat at Seaview on Saturday morning. The game was scoreless for most of the first half and with seven minutes to go that changed very quickly. Larne U16's went through the gears and by half time where 3-0 ahead leaving Crusaders U16's in shock. A half time talk saw Crusaders U16's come out fighting in the second half and Luke Murray pulled a goal back on 53 minutes. Despite their best efforts Crusaders U16's could not narrow the gap any further an don the whistle it was a 3-1 defeat. It leaves Crusaders U16's in eleventh place.