Crusaders started the new campaign with a five star performance beating Dungannon Swifts 5-1 a sun splashed Seaview. The home support were treated to a goal fest as early as the 7th minute when Paul Heatley reacted to indecision in the Swifts defence and he turned sharply to put Crusaders ahead. They had to wait until the 37th minute for the second when a Ben Kennedy header was reditedted by the head of Brendan Barr and despite the best efforts of Declan Dunne in goal Dungannon Swifts where 2-0 down. Dungannon though went in at half time only a goal down when they equalised in time added on when Rhyss Campbell put the ball past Johnny Tuffey without a challenger close. So 2-1 at half time but include two misses from Jude Winchester from six and four yards plus hitting the outside of the post with an effort and add Ross Clarke also hitting the post it could have been a lot worse for the visitors at half time.
Crusaders came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and Ben Kennedy restored the two goal lead with a beautifully weighted shot from all of 40 yards beating Declan Dunne easily. Ben Kennedy got on the score sheet again on 65 minutes when he pounced on another defensive mistake and it was 4-1 while Paul Heatley got his second of the day when he stroked home at the back post on 68 minutes to make it 5-1. Crusaders looked like scoring in every attack but desperate defending and a couple of good saves by Declan Dunne in goals kept the score at 5-1 at the finish.
So a great start and we look now to Friday night when we travel to play Glentoran (7.45pm)
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