Sky Blues dominate Crusaders

STUTTERING champions CRUSADERS slipped to a second league defeat on the spin as BALLYMENA UNITED secured an impressive 3-0 win at the Showgrounds.

Adam Lecky opened the scoring in the first half, bursting clear to poke the ball home before Sean O’Neill could narrow the angle sufficiently.

The game was put to bed in 90 second half seconds when Willie Faulkner doubled the Sky Blues’ lead and Andy McGrory completed the comfortable win on a day when the Crues offered precious little in front of goal.

Elsewhere, defender Mark Stafford gave LINFIELD a late 2-1 win over 10-man

DUNGANNON SWIFTS

Jake Dykes’ second half own goal drew the Blues level after Dougie Wilson opened the scoring for Kris Lindsay’s troops.

Seanan Clucus then saw red in the 64th minute for the Swifts and Stafford bagged the winner on 87 minutes.

First half goals from Levi Ives and Rory Donnelly earned CLIFTONVILLE a 2-1 win over COLERAINE, who were given hope of a comeback when Darren McCauley halved the deficit.

INSTITUTE continued their good form as Michael McCrudden’s stunning strike was enough to see off WARRENPOINT TOWN, who had striker Ciaran O’Connor dismissed.

In the late kick-off at Mourneview Park, leaders GLENAVON beat NEWRY CITY 2-0.

The home side had to bide their time and it took until the 79th minute for midfielder Andrew Hall to make the breakthrough.

Gary Hamilton’s men then quickly turned the screw, doubling their lead three minutes later through Ben Doherty.

And whatever slim chance the visitors had of grabbing anything from the game went up in smoke in the 84th minute when they had Declan Carville sent to the sideline.

THE CURT LOCKER Curtis Allen showed off his finishing ability again