Crusaders Reserves moved to the top of the Premiership Development League tonight after a superb 2-1 win over Linfield Swifts at Seaview. It was second place versus first place and by the end of the game they had swapped places in the table with the visitors.
The game started well for Crusaders Reserves and they where rewarded with a goal on 8 minutes when Ben Harrison crashed his shot past Jack Wilkins after a good build up. Both sides went toe to toe with each other but both keepers where in good form. Ryan Kerr in the Crusaders Reserves net made a excellent double save to keep his side ahead and they deservedly went in 1-0 ahead at the break.
As expected Linfield Swifts came out of the blocks fast in the second half and the pressure eventually told when Jacob Farr equalised with a close range header after 67 minutes. 1-1 and Crusaders Reserves where plugging away as Linfield Swifts came on strong again but Ryan Kerr again did well on several occasions and when he was beaten the cross bar did its job as well. Crusaders Reserves got back into it and pushed Linfield Swifts back and when they won a free kick on 87 minutes Mal Smith touched the ball wide to Jonny James who crossed beautifully. for Aureli Karrabecaj to bravely get his head to the ball and it flew past Jack Wilkins to put Crusaders Reserves 2-1 ahead. As the game entered time added on Linfield Swifts could not rally and on the whistle it was Crusaders Reserves who collected the three points and the top spot in the table.
So a big win in front of a good crowd and confidence is now raised even higher. Thanks to everyone who came to the game. It was appreciated by Reserve manager Stephen McFerran.