IRISH LEAGUE FULL-TIME VERDICT: Everything you need to know from Crusaders v Limavady United

Former Crues duo Philip Lowry and Jamie McGonigle returned to haunt their old team before Elliot Dunlop gave the hosts a lifeline with a fine curling strike.

Here’s everything you need to know from the match:

TOP RATED

Crusaders (Elliot Dunlop): The young Scottish winger arrived at Crusaders alongside fellow countrymen Adam Brooks and Fraser Bryden last summer – and this season could be the one where he shines bright.

Dunlop scored his second league goal of the season – already matching last term’s tally – with a superb curling effort into the far corner to pull one back for the Crues.

The 20-year-old is part of a threatening attacking line-up which also includes Owen Wardell and they’ll undoubtedly cause chaos for opposition defences. Harry Jewitt-White also impressed on Saturday.

Limavady United (Alfie Gaston): Highly-rated teenager Gaston has previous Premiership experience at parent club Coleraine and it seems his Limavady loan is providing the perfect platform to showcase his talents.

The 18-year-old was instrumental in Limavady’s opener with his sensational run and delivery finished off by Lowry, while he provided a constant threat with his pace in behind – the winger should have scored his side’s third with a final touch before being replaced.

Gaston, who scored against Carrick Rangers earlier this season, is another of Coleraine’s talented crop of youngsters and it wouldn’t be a shock if he returns to The Showgrounds to make a senior impact. Jamie McGonigle deserves an honourable mention.

BIG MOMENT

Gaston’s wonderful weaving run for Lowry’s opener showed a no-fear attitude to take on defenders, making his way to the line before whipping in a delivery which his experienced team-mate finished in trademark fashion.

Kurtis Forsythe was potentially fortunate to stay on the pitch following a collision with Jamie McGonigle after 42 minutes – the referee settled with a yellow.

LINE UPS

Crusaders: Shea Callister, Kurtis Forsythe, Graham Kelly (Jack Doherty, 46), Jacob Blaney (Scot Rough, 33), Robbie Weir, Harry Jewitt-White, Elliot Dunlop, Owen Wardell, Aaron Reid (Kieran McKechnie, 55), Ryan McKay, Lloyd Anderson (Thomas Maguire, 76).

Subs: Rian Brown, Michael Mulholland, Lewis Barr.

Limavady United: Martin Gallagher, Kieran Farren, Tiarnan Boorman, Philip Lowry, Stephen Lowry, Jamie McGonigle (Oisin Duffy, 90+1), John Butcher, Daniel Lafferty, Alfie Gaston (Leon Boyd, 75), Ronan Wilson (Stephen O’Donnell, 90+1), Adam Mullan (Ruairi Boorman, 72).

Subs: Fintan Doherty, Rodney Brown, Sean Carlin.

Referee: Christopher Morrison

MATCH STATS

Goals

Crusaders: Elliot Dunlop (69),

Limavady: Philip Lowry (28), Jamie McGonigle (49)

Cards

Crusaders: Kurtis Forsythe (42), Kieran McKechnie (85), Harry Jewitt-White (90+2)

Limavady: None

TALKING POINTS

Limavady off the mark: It has been a tough start to their Premiership return for Limavady, who suffered four consecutive defeats and had failed to score in three, but Paul Owens will hope Saturday’s result is the springboard for more.

A theme in recent years has been newly-promoted teams making a solid start – Bangor won six of their first 11 games last term – to lay solid foundations to preserve Premiership status.

With plenty of experience in their team, there would have been no panic inside Limavady’s changing room, but it was crucial they collected points.

Crusaders attacking threat – but potential defensive injury woes: The Crues have the ability to rip teams apart with the blistering pace of Owen Wardell and Elliot Dunlop on both wings, while Declan Caddell will hope Aaron Reid can hit top form as he works his way up to full fitness.

They conceded a Premiership-high amount of goals last term – and only Portadown and Bangor have leaked more this season.

Both Jacob Blaney and Graham Kelly were forced off after 33 minutes and half-time respectively, which will cause some Crusaders concern.