Ballymena dent Crusaders' title hopes with home win
Ballymena Utd 3 - 0 Crusaders
Crusaders' hopes of retaining the Irish Premiership are out of their own hands after they lost 3-0 to Ballymena United at the Showgrounds and Linfield defeated Coleraine 5-1.
Stephen Baxter’s side are now two points behind the Blues ahead of the final round of fixtures next weekend.
In a half of few chances, Ballymena should have had the game’s first goal in the 35th minute - but Cathair Friel’s strong effort thundered off the upright following a quick break up-field.
David Jeffrey’s side had another great opening just before half-time, but Howard Beverland’s goal-saving challenge prevented Friel from scoring after Johnny McMurray’s effort was well saved by Sean O’Neill.
Minutes after the restart the champions had a great chance to go in front, but Gavin Whyte’s effort was blocked by Glendinning.
With 17 minutes remaining, Ballymena took the lead through Conor McCloskey to stun the visiting supporters into silence.
Former Ballymena United player David Cushley had a good chance to equalise with 10 minutes remaining, but he was well tackled by Sky Blues defender Kyle Owens.
Ballymena put the game to bed in the dying minutes after goalkeeper Sean O’Neill’s mistake left Friel with an empty goal and all the time in the world to tap in.
Friel then wrapped it up for David Jeffery’s side in stoppage time, scoring his 22nd goal of the season.
Crusaders now must defeat Glenavon in their final game and hope Linfield lose away to Cliftonville if they are to have any hope of winning a third league title in a row.
IRISH PREMIERSHIP RESULTS