Crusaders where beaten for the second time in a week after losing 3-1 to Glenavon at Mourneview Park in the Sports Direct Premiership. Despite going a goal ahead a Glenavon equaliser before half time and then two goals on the counter attack gave Glenavon only their fourth win of the season and it pulled them away from the foot of the table by six points.
Glenavon had an early chance that went wide and Crusaders hit back with a header that went not far wide of the goal and the game had started well. A last ditch block by Jimmy Callacher with his head kept it at 0-0 but it was Crusaders who drew first blood on 19 minutes. A bullet throw by Jordan Forsythe was met perfectly by Philip Lowry and he headed into the side netting inside the post to make it 1-0. Crusaders looked in control as both sides adapted to the blustery rainy conditions but they couldn't make the pressure count. On the half hour mark Harry Jewitt-White made a great interception and a few minutes later Matthew Snoddy hit the side netting with a header. The game went back and forward and it was Glenavon who scored to get back on level terms. Peter Campbell sent a corner into the six yard box and Michael O'Connor came through with a strong run and jump to power the ball home with his head and it was 1-1 with two minutes of the half left and that's how the first 45 ended.
Jordan Owens replaced Josh Williamson for the second half and as expected Glenavon came out with a bang. Glenavon could have gone ahead on 52 minutes when a lack of communication nearly let in Peter Campbell but Crusaders recovered and carried on. Tackles where flying in from everywhere and referee Shane McGonigle did well to control it. Just after the hour mark Glenavon took the lead. Crusaders lost possession at their own penalty area and Glenavon went on the counter attack. Davy McDaid, Atherton and Peter Campbell all combined in a fast move with the latter putting the ball past Johnny Tuffey. 2-1 ahead and Glenavon where on top. Crusaders seemed be leggy and struggled at times to control the ball or make use of it. Jordan Owens out jumped and out muscled everyone in front of him but Crusaders could not get a breakthrough. On 72 minutes it got worse when Glenavon went 3-1 ahead. Unbelivably it was another counter attack This time Michael O'Connor and Peter Campbell combined to race clear and when Davy McDaid took over he calmly slotted home and it was 3-1. Glenavon managed the game out as you do from there on in as the game headed towards the 90th minute and beyond with the referee bringing to an end to the game.
So a 3-1 win and it was a dejected Declan Caddel that met the press. Next up we head back down the M1 again to play Portadown with the hope of a change of fortunes for the team.