CRUSADERS MARCH ON AGAINST PLUCKY DUNGANNON

Crusaders tonight stay top of the Danske Bank Premiership table after a 1-0 win away to Dungannon Swifts but it certainly was not easy as the Swifts fought hard and pushed Crusaders to the limit.

It certainly was not a classic match as both sets of strikers had an "off day" and the battle in midfield left little to shout about. It was pretty much evens throughout the first half and chances where few and far between. Paul Heatley was again in top form and he caused a lot of problems every time he ran at the Swifts defence. Jordan Owens could have done better with a shot when through and was also close with a few headers. The half brightened up in the 40th minute when Crusaders scored. Sean O'Neill kicked the ball downfield and it landed at the feet of Paul Heatley after Fra Brennan missed the ball. Heatley then ran goalwards, cut inside and unleashed a shot low in to corner of the net to put Crusaders ahead. Dungannon Swifts tried to hit back quickly but the half ended 1-0 to Crusaders.

The second half saw Dungannon Swifts really come at Crusaders and the defence had to work very hard to keep an equaliser happening. A free kick just outside the box saw Sean O'Neill save brilliantly as he tipped the ball over. Gary McCutcheon put himself into several good positions but the goal just did not come. Timmy Adamson missed a great chance and Paul Heatley just kept torturing the defence. Dungannon Swifts kept pushing forward but Crusaders defence stayed strong and the back four where all in superb form. As the game drew to a close Matt Hazley nearly equalised but his header somehow was put wide giving Crusaders a big let off. Seconds later the ref blew the whistle and Crusaders had won.

So still top of the league and the run continues to 22 unbeaten in all competitions. Next up Glentoran at Seaview next Saturday.