Report By Glenn Kelly
Crusaders grabbed their first back-to-back league wins since October, with a comfortable 2-0 defeat of Glenavon at Seaview. Goals from Jude Winchester and Ben Kennedy, with his 11th goal of the season, were the difference between the two sides as Crusaders solidified fifth spot in the table. Glenavon meanwhile, remain ninth.
The home side made the perfect start and grabbed the opening goal on 10 minutes. Winchester picked the ball up and unleashed a left-footed effort from all of 25 yards. His shot took a wicked deflection off Daniel Wallace in defence and wrong-footed ‘keeper Mark Byrne to make it 1-0. Glenavon almost grabbed an equaliser soon afterwards through Niall Quinn, whose cross-come-shot sailed over Jonny Tuffey in goal before rebounding off the post and away to safety. Crusaders continued to have the majority of possession and duo Paul Heatley and Adam Lecky both had a brace of opportunities to double their sides lead, but neither could make it count. Heatley twice was denied when one-on-one with Byrne in goal, whilst Lecky struck wide from close range as the difference remained just the one at the interval.
However, within nine minutes of the restart the Crues had their second. Ross Clarke with a delightful cross from the right, and Kennedy rose highest to nod into the left-hand corner from eight yards. Philip Lowry went close for the home side soon after, with a header that was cleared off the line by Jack Malone, before Niall Quinn went close for the visitors. Quinn with a thundering drive from all of 30 yards that had Tuffey at full reach to touch wide. Crusaders appeared to ease up in the closing stages allowing the Blues plenty of possession, but the Lurgan side failed to trouble the scoreboard as the final whistle blew.