Crusaders fell to a 5-1 defeat at Coleraine Showgrounds today despite going in at half time ahead. It was case of “deja vu” as Coleraine went up the gears, like they did last week in the cup, and four goals in 20 minutes topped off with an injury time fifth saw the home side stay second in the Premiership table.
Crusaders took the game to Coleraine the first half and rattled the home side on several occasions with slick passing, good movement and chance after chance. Anything Coleraine hit back with was dealt with and Crusaders deservedly took the lead on 36 minutes when Fraser Bryden volleyed in a delightful Finley Thorndike cross. Crusaders more than matched their expensive opponents and half time came with that 1-0 lead.
The second half was a different story with Joel Cooper equalising with 40 seconds of the restart as he ran through and blasted a shot past Musa Dibaga. Controversy surrounded Coleraines second when Cammy Bruce was off the pitch after going to ground but it seems the physio was sent on by the fourth official without the referees nod. Rules dictate the defender had to stay off the pitch and the resulting corner was headed home by Mark Connolly at the back post unmarked.