Crues move second in Irish Premiership with win over Ballymena

Crusaders Jordan Forsythe celebrates after he heads his sides third goal
Author: Chris BrennanPublished 24th Sep 2022

Crusaders went second in the Danske Bank Premiership, level on points with pace-setters Glentoran on Friday night thanks to a comfortable 3-0 win over Ballymena United.

Stephen Baxter's side opened the scoring just short of the half-hour, as Philip Lowry plundered his fifth of the season.

Man-of-the-match Adam Lecky then found Jarlath O'Rourke who made it two.

Eight minutes from time the win was rounded off when Jordan Forsythe headed past Sean O'Neill from close-range.

Meanwhile Coleraine beat Newry City 2-0.

Two goals in four second-half minutes were enough for the Bannsiders - Lee Lynch and Dean Jarvis netting their first goals since moving to the club.

Larne's good form continued with a 1-0 win against Carrick Rangers at Taylor's Avenue. The visitors claimed the win 11 minutes from time, Shea Gordon with a fiercely-struck effort from a Mark Randall corner.

Portadown's struggles continue as they look for their first point. Dungannon Swifts won 2-0 with goals from Rhys Campbell, after just 21 seconds, and the second from Ryan Mayse's penalty.