It was another positive performance that saw Crusaders defeat Loughgall 3-1 at Seaview today. Goals from Philip Lowry, Harry Franklin and Jordan Stewart swt Crusaders up for the win and the only blemish was a goal from Loughgalls Robbie Norton after Crusaders third. It will be the style of the win that will please manager Declan Caddell best of all as the confidence oozes from his side.
Crusaders survived an early Loughgall scare after a mistake in defence but Jacob Blaney was on hand to clear off the line. Things settled down and Crusaders took control before going one ahead on 22minutes. A Jordan Forsythe pass set Kieran Offord on his way and his pin point cross was met by the diving Philip Lowry and his header flew into the net. Crusaders kept in the driving seat and pushed but had to wait until a minute before half time to get their second. A nother pin point ball found Harry Franklin in the box and he held off shooting until nearly at the touchline but his shot went past the keeper and sneaked in at the far post to put Crusaders 2-0 ahead at half time.
Crusaders came out the second half and could have been out of sight very early but it was Jordan Stewart who scored Crusaders third goal on 56 minutes. A cross fell to him and after his initial pass across the box was blocked it came back to him and after twisting and turning he hit an unstoppable shot into the visitors net and Crusaders where three ahead. From the restart Loughgall got a goal back. Crusaders where caught sleeping and despite Johnny Tuffey nearly saving the day Robbie Norton was at the back post to make it 3-1. Both Nathan Gartside and Johnny Tuffey made good stops to keep the score at 3-1 and after four minutes of added time the referee blew the whistle and Crusaders had collected another three points.
A good win and we head into Wednesday nights Co.Antrim Shield Semi Final at Inver Park in great form.