Mark Dickson and Aidan Watson challenge for the ball

Crusaders deservedly won 2-0 against Ballymena at Seaview thanks to a 43rd minute goal from Eamon Doherty and a David Rainey header after 49 minutes.

In the first half, Rainey saw a 25-yard shot fly over the bar and had an effort ruled out for a foul on Sean O'Neill.

Gavin McDonnell cleared a goalbound Stevie Coulter strike off the line before Doherty scored after O'Neill had saved initially from Martin Donnelly.

Aaron Black flicked on Donnelly's cross and Rainey headed in to make it 2-0.

Crusaders dominated the second half and O'Neill blocked Black's attempt with his feet, while the Sky Blues goalkeeper pushed Donnelly's free-kick over the bar.

Ballymena's best chance fell to substitute Michael Ward but he scooped his shot over the bar.