Crusaders got their league campaign off to a winning start by dominating their game against Premiership newcomers Donegal Celtic at Suffolk Road.

Michael Halliday fired in the rebound for the Crues' 27th-minute opener after Martin Donnelly had hit the post.

Jordan Owens slid the ball under Declan Browne for the second on 47 minutes but Darren McNamee scrambled home a goal for the home side in the 63rd minute.

Owens slotted home his second at the back post with two minutes remaining.

Stuart Dallas was just off target with a 25-yard effort in the first minute of the game.

After debutant Halliday found the net, McNamee saw his left-foot volley come off the woodwork.

The Crues were in control throughout despite DC reducing their deficit temporarily.

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