Crusaders 1-0 Newry City

Paul Heatley's second half strike proved the difference as Crusaders edged past Newry City by a single goal at at Seaview.

The winger always looked the most likely outlet for Crues, and had a couple of good early chances, first racing clear before being denied by Andrew Coleman, and then shooting low from the edge of the box.

The home side also went close from a corner on 20 as Coates header flew across goal with neither Mark McChrystal nor David Cushley able to connect for a back-post tap-in.

Newry had opportunities of their own as James Walker drew a save from a free-kick, just before Mark Hughes elected to shoot from distance rather than make better use of his brother Stephen, who was free in a central position.

2 minutes before the break, Crusaders striker Rory Patterson made a mess of a header from 10 yards out, and when given a second chance a few moments later, he lashed a left-footed shot clear of the stand.

Early in the second half, Paterson shot right at Coleman on the turn, and Cushley had no better luck with a couple of efforts.

It looked like Crusaders would be left frustrated, but with 59 minutes played the breakthrough came through Paul Heatley in a mirror image of a first-half chance he spurned.

A flick-on from Patterson played him in behind the defence, and this time Heatley took the ball around Coleman and tapped into an empty net.

2 minutes later, Cushley headed home from Glackin's corner and it looked as it the floodgates would open - but the referee elected to disallowed the goal.

It ultimately made no difference as the Crues held on for all 3 points.