Crusaders made it four out of four today as the good start to the Sports Direct Premiership season continues. Goals from Ben Kennedy, Daniel Larmour and a brace from Adam Lecky secured the points and keeps Crusaders a point behind early leaders Linfield who have played a game more. The game though did have a downside when Jimmy Callacher was stretchered off with a serious knee injury that looks to keep him sidelined for some time ahead.
The game was 4 minutes old when Ben Kennedy scored another spectacular goal to add to his already impressive tally. He collected a high ball on his chest and swivelled before sending a volley into the top corner of the net leaving Stephen Maguire no chance. Crusaders pressed forward with several half chances as they dominated the game further but they suffered a blow when defender Jimmy Callacher was carried off on a stretcher with what looked like a serious knee injury. Stephen Maguire in the Newry City net kept a Daniel Larmour header out, somehow saved a Paul Heatley shot that hit his diving body and went for a corner and finally a Ross Clarke shot that he tipped over. Crusaders pressure counted finally on 29 minutes when Daniel Larmour popped up at the back post to head home a Ben Kennedy in swinging corner and the visitors where 2-0 up. Johnny Tuffey was called on on 33 minutes when he saved well and Daniel Larmour had the ball in the net again but referee Tony Clarke harshly blew for a foul in the build up. With no further action the half ended 2-0 Crusaders.
Newry City came out the second half with a bit more purpose and went close twice in the opening minutes but Crusaders regrouped and a Ross Clarke free kick hit the wall and Philip Lowrys shot was blocked in the follow up as Crusaders built momentum again. On 58 minutes it was 3-0 when Ross Clarke did well on the wing before crossing a pin perfect ball that Adam Lecky got up highest to and directed his header into the net with some great ease. Crusaders where flying again and on 62 minutes shave the post in another great passage of play. Adam Lecky got his second and Crusaders fourth in 76 minutes when a goalmouth scramble and two calls for Crusaders penalties finally fell to the big striker and his control and neat volley wrapped it up as a game with Crusaders now winning 4-0. Sub James Teelan shot when just wide after some neat footwork on 83 minutes while Johnny Tuffey made a good reaction save on 85 minutes to keep his goal intact. Stephen Maguire was on hand to make another good stop on 87 minutes and Adam Lecky missed a chance to take the match ball home but watched his header go over from the follow up. With no further action the referee blew his whistle and 4-0 was reflective of the game in Crusaders favour.
Next up Crusaders travel to The Oval to play the postponed game from last week on Tuesday night (7.45pm) Your support lifts the team and we can't wait to see you there.