David Rainey set Crusaders on their way to an impressive win

The Crues ended Glentoran's 25-match unbeaten run in the league to move two points clear at the top of the JJB Sports Premiership.

Andrew Waterworth headed wide with the visitors' best chance before David Rainey put Crusaders ahead when his header bounced before hitting the net.

Mark Dickson made it 2-0 five minutes after the break with a cool finish from a Jordan Owens' throughball.

Dickson met Martin Donnelly's cross to fire in the third on 74 minutes.

Waterworth was just two yards out went he sent the ball wide from a Gary Hamilton cross.

Crusaders defender Gareth McKeown was guilty was of a similar miss just before the break with his nearpost header failing to find the target.

Crues keeper Chris Keenan made a number of saves in the first half but was rarely troubled after the break, with the homeside providing the attacking threat.

Linfield and Coleraine are now the nearest challengers to Stephen Baxter's side with Glentoran slipping down to fourth.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version