Crusaders 2-1 Linfield
Last updated 12th Sep 2017
Crusaders beat Linfield 2-1 at Seaview to end the Blues' run of 27 domestic games without defeat.
Outstanding first half goals from Jordan Forsythe and Paul Heatley put the Crues in control, with Mark Stafford in reply for Linfield.
For most of the game conditions were poor, and the lashing rain ended up playing a role in the opener which came in the 25th minute.
Linfield defender Chris Casement lost his footing as he tried to clear a Colin Coates header forward. It allowed Heatley to find Forsythe wide on the left who lashed a stunning 20-yard strike into the far corner.
Crusaders' second goal in just the 32nd minute was somehow more impressive than their first, even if the buildup was much more straightforward.
The ball was lumped forward in behind the Linfield defence, and rather than run clear on goal, Paul Heatley smashed a volley from 22 yards which dipped and swerved before beating Roy Carroll.
The home side should perhaps have gone 3-0 up in the 38th when Heatley's mishit volley dropped for Jordan Owens at the back post. However, he could only loop his header over the bar.
Into the 2nd half, Linfield struggled to make any impact, while the Crues were happy to absorb any pressure and then launch counter attacks.
The Blues did eventually get some footing in the game and pulled a goal back in the 71st minute.
A long ball forward from a set piece fell to the feet of Aaron Burns who was able to lash it back across the face of goal where Mark Stafford was on hand to score a tap in from 3 yards.
However, a small brawl broke out in the aftermath of the goal, which resulted in the scorer Stafford and Crusaders captain Coates being booked.
Despite a surge of late pressure, Linfield were unable to grab an equaliser, and suffered a rare league defeat.