It was another good team performance by Crusaders today as they came away from Stangmore Park having beaten Dungannon Swifts 2-0 in the Danske Bank Premiership. Crusaders also missed two penalties and numerous changes but three points gained pushed them into second place in the Premiership.
Crusaders had the best start they could have asked for when Philip Lowry converted in the first minute from a cross from McCauley Snelgrove and that was Crusaders off and running. Johnny Tuffey made a good save after 15 minutes but that was all Dungannon Swifts had to offer. Crusaders kept the pressure on and they got a penalty on 19 minutes when Gary Breen pulled down Adam Lecky in the box and he was handed a straight red for his tackle. Adam Lecky stepped up to take the spot kick but Dwayne Nelson guessed right and saved. Crusaders plugged away but despite the possession they could not score again and it was 1-0 at half time.
The second half was only three minutes old when Crusaders doubled their lead. Chris Hegarty headed a free kick into six yard box and Daniel Larmour put pressure on Cahal McGinty who nicked the ball into his own net although Daniel Larmour has a claim on getting a very faint touch. Philip Lowry just failed to control the ball before shooting and Johnny McMurray had a chance but put the ball over as Crusaders continued to dominate. On 66 minutes Crusaders got another penalty when Jonny McMurrays had his shirt tugged in the box but again Crusaders failed to score from the spot with Dwayne Nelson saving his second spot kick of the game this time from Jarlath O'Rourke. As the final seconds ticked down Jordan Forsythe hit the bar with a header and Dwayne Nelson made a good save from Philip Lowry after messing up a clearance and Jordan Owens follow up was cleared superbly by Michael Ruddy. So a 2-0 win and second place means a good weekend but the hard work begins again ahead of Fridays game away to Larne.