Linfield 1-1 Crusaders

Joel Cooper's late equaliser cancelled out Declan Caddell's early opening goal as Linfield and Crusaders drew 1-all in a feisty Belfast derby at Windsor Park.

The visitors took an 8th minute lead after superb first-time cross from midfield by Phillip Lowry caught the Linfield defence napping, and Caddell ghosted in at the back post to steer a 6-yard header past Rohan Ferguson.

The Blues keeper then made a double-save to twice deny Jamie McGonigle in the 22nd minute, but the Crues striker opted to shoot rather than square the ball to the unmarked Paul Heatley.

3 minutes later, the visitors had another great chance in similar circumstances, but McGonigle's cross from the left was cut out before it could reach Ross Clarke.

Joel Cooper almost pulled Linfield level in the 38th minute, but his close-range effort after a corner cannoned back off the crossbar.

Linfield had been second best in the opening period, and David Healy made 2 changes at the break with Daniel Kearns replacing Andy Waterwoth, and Mark Haughey brought on to replace Chris Casement.

Stephen Fallon came excruciatingly close to a spectacular equaliser in the 61st minute, only for his sweeping left foot shot from 25 yards to crash off the angle of crossbar and post.

Linfield had a great chance to pull level in the 83rd minute when they were awarded a penalty, awarded after a handball by BJ Burns. Substitue Bastien Hery stepped up, but his effort was saved by Gerard Doherty.

However, just 2 minutes later Cooper equalised with an incredible strike from distance. The Blues winger cut in from the left before hammering a 25-yard effort that dipped and swerved, the unusual flight of the ball deceiving Doherty as it flew past him.