CRUES LEAVE BOSS HAPPY

CRUSADERS boss Stephen Baxter used only one word to describe his team’s performance at Seaview – ‘sensational!’

The Shore Road boys moved five points clear at the top of the table with a 4-2 demolition of Glentoran.

Although new boy

Alex O’hanlon shot the East Belfast side into an early lead, the Crues replied with goals from Jordan Owens (above), Billy Joe Burns, Colin Coates and the irrepressible Gavin Whyte.

Substitute Robbie Mcdaid hit a late consolation for Gary Haveron’s side.

“The boys were sensational and a joy to watch,” purred Baxter, who last week agreed a new five-year contract at the club.

Eoin Bradley’s exquisite free-kick rescued a point for

who battled out a 1-1 draw with Glenavon at the Ballycastle Road Showgrounds.

Andy Hall shot the Lurgan Blues into the lead just after the break but Bradley helped maintain the Bannsiders’ title challenge by

COLERAINE,

levelling on the hour. Glenavon had manager Gary Hamilton and midfielder Mark Sykes dismissed.

Although they are now five points adrift, Coleraine boss Oran Kearney said: “We are still in there and we won’t be going away any time soon.”

There was little to cheer at Windsor Park where were held to a scoreless draw by

And David Mcalinden admitted he raised a smile for the first time in months after watching

LINFIELD DUNGANNON.

CARRICK RANGERS rack up a 4-0 win over ARDS at the Bangor Fuels Arena.Goals from Jonathan Smith, Paddy Mcnally, Lee Chapman and Eamon Scanell ended Carrick’s 17-game streak without a win which also eased their relegation worries.