Crusaders 2-2 Larne

Crusaders' winning start to the season came to an end as they battled back to draw 2-2 with Larne at Seaview.

Stephen Baxter's side took the lead in the 15th minute with a scrappy goal coming on the back of a corner.

Paul Heatley's delivery from the left found BJ Burns, and his low header was gathered by Philip Lowry who swiveled and turned the ball home from close range.

The visitors spurned a great chance to pull level in the 27th minute after being awarded a penalty.

Sean Graham took a quick throw to find Mark Randall who had surged into the box. He was bundled over by goalscorer Lowry, but David McDaid's spot kick hit the post.

Larne eventually pulled level seconds before the interval when Jonny McMurray stole in after an error by Colin Coates.

The Crues captain failed to get his head onto a long ball after appearing to misjudge the flight, and the Larne striker was able to steal in behind the defence to volley his side back into contention from 6 yards.

Less than a minute into the second half, the newly-promoted side took the lead in impressive style when left wing-back Sean Graham cut inside from the flank, evading Chris Hegarty, and then finishing high into the top corner of Sean O'Neill's goal.

Crusaders finally got back into the game through substitute David Cushley, who had replaced Jordan Owens.

In trademark fashion, he hammered a shot from long range with virtually his first touch in the 78th minute, a swerving effort that deceived goalkeeper Conor Devlin before flying into the net.