Friel and McMurray did well against Crusaders says Ballymena boss David Jeffrey

A number of players made their league debuts from the Showgrounds outfit and Jeffrey says the loss at Seaview was not a complete disaster.

“For me there were positives against Crusaders. Young Cathair Friel did very well for a young lad who has come up from Championship Two and was Limavady United’s top goal scorer. I thought he took his opportunity and did well.

“And young Johnny McMurray did very well, so there were positives there for me but the reality is Crusaders have the strongest team and squad - without a shadow of a doubt - in the league and they proved that today.

“There was a number of players playing Premiership football for the first time against Crusaders and now they realise what it is like in the big league.

“But I have got to say that Crusaders were very impressive. Jordan Owens was excellent in the air and the movement of Gavin Whyte and Paul Heatley was very good. They are just a very good team but with all due respect our season is not going to be dictated by results against Crusaders.”