Crusaders canter to 4-1 win at Carrick

Crusaders' Declan Caddell celebrates after his deflected cross finds its way into the net. Credit: Presseye

Carrick Rangers 1-4 Crusaders

Crusaders continued their superb start to the new season with an emphatic 4-1 win over Carrick Rangers at Taylor's Avenue on Wednesday night.

Stephen Baxter's side made it ten goals and six points from two games as they proved too strong for Carrick, who had Seanna Foster sent off in the seond half.

The visitors were on top for much of the opening half hour but Carrick held out until an unfortunate own goal gave the Crues the lead.

Carrick's Steven McCullough turned a cross from Declan Caddell into his own net on 39 minutes.

The champions struck again two minutes before the break as David Cushley drove an unstoppable shot in off the post for 2-0.

The second half resumed with the champions still creating the chances but Carrick pulled a goal back through TJ Murray on 58 minutes.

However, the comeback hopes were hampered on 66 minutes when Foster picked up a second yellow and the home side were down to ten men.

Before Carrick could recover from that blow Paul Heatley made it 3-1 and the Crues were well on their way to the points.

Philip Lowry sealed the win on 88 minutes, his first goal for the club, and Stephen Baxter's side sit two points clear at the top of the table.