Cliftonville 3-1 Crusaders
Last updated 11th Mar 2018
Cliftonville scored all their goals in the opening 16 minutes as they blew away the Danske Bank Premiership leaders Crusaders to win 3-1 at Solitude.
Joe Gormley scored two, including a penalty, either side of setting up a strike for Rory Donnelly, with Jordan Owens scoring a late consolation for Crusaders.
Cliftonville's quickfire treble completely stunned Crusaders, and killed the game as competition well inside the first half.
"Everyone's been telling me about how many games we've lost recently. It's pleasing winning the game but what's more pleasing is the level of performance because it's miles and miles above anything we've seen in recent months." Cliftonville manager Barry Gray "We commit the cardinal sin of what Brian has done, it's just the height of stupidity. The game is over because mentally you're beaten at that stage. Sixteen minutes and it's 3-0... you have a long way to go. " - Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter
A 6th minute Jaimie McGovern long throw evaded everyone before running to Gormley at the back post. The striker swivelled and buried a shot on his right foot from around 15 yards.
A minute later Gormley turned provider, slipping a pass through to Rory Donnelly to fire beyond Brian Jensen.
Cliftonville then found themselves given a huge opportunity to go further ahead with the 14th minute decision to award them a penalty.
Jamie Harney challenged Jensen on a high ball, and after collecting it, the big Dane ran across the back of defender, tripping him to concede the spot-kick.
Gormley stepped up confidently and smashed the ball beyond the keeper to make it 3-0 in the 16th minute.
Just 3 minutes later Stephen Garrett cracked the post from close range, as Crusaders looked helpless, offering little in response to Cliftonville's dominance.
It took until the 29th minute for the Shore Road side to muster anything, with Paul Heatley's volley thundering back off the crossbar.
2 minutes into the second half, Crues substitute Darren Murray had a great chance having replaced Jordan Forsythe, but he overpowered a lob and sent the ball miles over the bar.
Cliftonville remained in control, and almost added a 4th in the 53rd minute when Gormley poked just wide of the post.
10 minutes later, Chris Curran stung Jensen's palms from 25 yards, while Jordan Owens went close with a couple of headers for visitors.
It wasn't until the 87th minute that Crusaders found a way past Neeson, as Sean Ward lobbed a ball over the top for Jordan Owens.
The striker had plenty of time to weigh up his options, and plant the ball past the keeper, but it was nothing more than consolation.