Portadown Reserves 1 Crusaders Reserves 4

Crusaders Reserves had another convincing away win to Portadwon Reserves to continue their great run of results. The game enabled Magee, Arthurs, McMaster and McCann to get some game time under their belts. Crusaders Reserves should have taken the lead after 10 minutes when a McMaster cross was volleyed back into the penalty spot area by Barrett with Boylan, Arthurs and Harris all having chances blocked. Portadown Reserves showed their danger when a quick break on the right was well saved by Murphy and Gibson followed up to clear the danger. Harris had two headers in succession straight into the keepers arms both from McMasters crosses. Portadown Reserves scored against the run of play when a break on the left found Taggart unmarked in the six yard box and he drilled home. Crusaders Reserves quickly equalised from when fullback Collins scored his ninth goal of the season. Harris and McCann combined well and Collins stepped inside a defender to unleash an unstoppable shot from 30 yards with his left foot.

After the break Crusaders Reserves dominated and should have went in front when McMaster burst through but he chose to pass instead of going for goal himself and the danger was cleared. Crusaders Reserves eventually went in front and again McMaster was involved when his deep cross looked to be going behind but Turner chased a lost cause and cut back for Arthurs and he unselfishly squared to Boylan to fire into the bottom corner of the net from 12 yards. Crusaders Reserves quickly made it three when McMaster crossed from the right and Magee fired a bullet header by the keeper from close range. Boylan got his second and Crusaders Reserves fourth when again he found space in the box and drilled home from 15 yards. Turner broke free and was upended in the box. Collins stepped up but his spot kick hit bar and bounced to safety.

Team: Murphy, Collins, Gibson(c), Magee, Bell, Barrett, Harris, McCann, McMaster, Arthurs, Boylan.

Subs: Herron, Owens, Cowan, Turner

Spiersy