David Rainey netted a late equaliser for Crusaders at the Oval

Former Glentoran striker David Rainey scored a late equaliser for Crusaders to maintain the north Belfast club's unbeaten start to the season.

Glentoran had looked set for their first win of the Premiership campaign when Kyle Neill's free-kick gave them the lead with 10 minutes to go.

But Rainey pounced to make it 1-1 after Gareth McKeown's through ball had been flicked on by Alain Emerson.

Early on Colin Nixon headed over and Gary Hamilton had a shot saved.

For the Crues, Rainey went close before getting the late leveller.

Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter was delighted by his team's spirited display at the Oval.

"These boys (Glentoran) are potential champions. They are a great side but we've come here and given them a great game," said Baxter.

"I felt we outworked them in the first half.

"We had to dig in there in the last five minutes to get the goal and we threw everything at them.

"I'm very pleased with our work. There's a lot of boys in the dressing-room absolutely exhaused. We're very proud of them."

Eamonn McAllister helped set up the goal after his late introduction and Baxter lauded the substitute's contribution.

"What a wonderful footballer. He's got that little bit of flair."