Crues return to winning ways against Carrick

Crusaders' Paul Heatley celebrates a third goal during Saturday's game at Seaview. Credit: Pacemaker

  • Crusaders 3-1 Carrick Rangers

League leaders Crusaders bounced back from their defeat to Ballymena with a 3-1 win over Carrick Rangers at Seaview on Saturday.

Paul Heatley opened the scoring against his former club when he steered home a tidy finish after latching on to a long ball forward in the 33rd minute, and added a second with a neat lob four minutes later.

Stephen Baxters’ side continued to dominate but were caught on the break as Carrick pulled one back through Tiernan McNicholl’s low drive in the 56th minute.

However Heatley had the final say with a smashing finish from the edge of the area to complete his hat-trick and to wrap up the win for the hosts.