Crusaders 2
Ballymena United 1
League (NIFL Premiership)

Match Report

Crusaders came from behind to claim their first points of the season with victory over Ballymena United at Seaview.

The visitors made the perfect start, taking the lead after just 10 minutes. Crusaders failed to clear a dangerous ball into the area and b>Igor Rutkowski pounced to fire into the corner for his first goal of the campaign.

The visitors threatened again soon afterwards, but Chris McKee could only scuff Success Edogun's cut-back wide.

Crusaders responded strongly and levelled after 27 minutes. Owen Wardell battled his way to the by-line before sending a low ball across goal which took a deflection off Daithi McCallion and found the net.

Harry Jewitt-White then went close before Crusaders completed the turnaround three minutes from half-time.

Elliot Dunlop reached the by-line and cut the ball back into the path of Owen Wardell, who calmly guided a left-footed finish beyond David Walsh.

The Crues continued to threaten after the restart. Wardell almost created a third for Adam Brooks before Dunlop sent him clear on the counter moments later, attempting to lob Walsh but the keeper got a fingertip to the effort.

Ballymena responded as Shea Callister used his legs to deny Edogun, while Rutkowski's spectacular overhead kick flew narrowly over as the visitors searched for an equaliser.

The Sky Blues thought they had levelled late on when McKee smashed home following a corner, but referee Niall Devlin ruled the goal out.

Match report written by NI Football League