By Alex Gulrajani At Seaview

Cliftonville moved to the top of the Carling Premiership on goal difference after beating Crusaders at Seaview.

Liam Boyce, still with the Reds after a move to Germany fell through, scored the first from close in on 56 minutes.

Chris Scannell made it two in the 66th minute and George McMullan then netted a penalty after Chris Morrow had fouled Kieran O'Connor soon afterwards.

Ross Arthurs got a late goal for the Crues but Cliftonville continued their 100% start to the league campaign.

Crusaders dominated possession throughout the first half but failed to beat an inspired John Connolly in the Cliftonville goal.

And the one time David Rainey got the better of the Cliftonville stopper, the striker dragged his shot wide. Captain Colin Coates and Stuart Dallas also saw efforts saved.

Liam Boyce is congratulated by team-mate Ryan Catney

With Eddie Patterson's half-time words still ringing in their ears, the visitors continued to evade conceding as the home side started the second half as they ended the first.

Connolly's crucial save five minutes into the half denied Rainey again as the Crues looked destined to seal back-to-back wins.

But it was the Reds who stole the lead through teenager Liam Boyce. Chris Scannell was superbly denied by Chris Keenan moments before Boyce poked home from six yards.

Crusaders had the chance to level just four minutes later but Connolly continued to frustrate Stephen Baxter's men with some outstanding saves to deny Michael Halliday.

And the home side were made to pay for not beating the 33-year-old stopper as Chris Scannell burst down the right wing, shrugged off the challenge of Jonathan Magee to chip over Chris Keenan.

And Keenan was again picking the ball out of the net two minutes later. George McMullan comfortably slotted home the third from the penalty spot to send the fans who made the short journey across north Belfast into raptures.

Stephen Garrett should have made it 4-0 but somehow managed to miss an open goal before second half substitute Arthurs smashed home a late consolation goal for the home side.

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