North Belfast derby ends in stalemate
Last updated 21st Apr 2018
By Sports Reporter Alex Keery
Crusaders and Cliftonville each scored stunning second half goals as they drew 1-all at Seaview.
Joe Gormley opened the scoring with a 35 yard strike that went in off the underside of the bar, before Paul Heatley’s precise finish brought things level.
Crusaders started well and had enjoyed the best of the early chances, forcing Brian Neeson into a string of a spectacular saves.
In the 10th minute, he had to dive at full stretch to turn a Colin Coates header around his post, before twice denying Gavin Whyte.
Cliftonville had the ball in the net in the 36th minute, but Rory Donnelly’s strike was ruled out after he was judged to have fouled Coates in the process.
It was Joe Gormley who suddenly sparked the game into life in the 57th minute, smashing home a dipping half volley from 35 yards with his right foot.
It was a goal that drew a quick response from the home side as just two minutes later, Paul Heatley drifted into space inside the box and casually placed the ball into the far corner of the net.
Crusaders pressed for a winner, but Neeson again denied Whyte, before smothering an Owens shot from close range and then turning another of the striker’s efforts over the bar.