Crusaders 0-1 Linfield

Jordan Stewart's early goal was the difference between the sides as Linfield beat Crusaders 1-0 at Seaview.

The Blues forward opened the scoring after the home defence made a mess of Jimmy Callacher's ball forward in the 5th minute.

It went over the head of Colin Coates, and when goalkeeper Gerard Doherty came off his line to clear the ball, Stewart ran clear of his marker Howard Beverland and nipped in beat all 3 of them to the ball, chipping it into the net from the edge of the box.

Doherty then had to smartly deny Andy Waterworth and Joel Cooper to prevent Linfield running away with the game in the first 10 minutes, with Paul Healtey scooping the Crues best chance of the opening period over the bar from inside the box.

Home manager Stephen Baxter was prompted to make changes after a lacklustre 45 minutes from his side; Ross Clarke replaced Philip Lowry, with David Cushley making way for debutant Ronan Hale.

Just after the break, Clarke almost chipped Roy Carroll from wide on the right, with Heatley shooting wide as the Crues began to find some rhythm. Linfield remained a threat, and Niall Quinn's quickly taken free kick almost saw Cooper extending their lead from close range.

In the 70th minute, the rising tension finally broke in the form of a huge brawl inside the Linfield box, which resulted in both captains being booked. Howard Beverland was cautioned a minute later after a tangle with Andy Waterworth, and Heatley also saw yellow for cutting down Stewart on the counter.

The Crues were unable to force an equaliser, as the Blues held on for an important 3 points.