Crusaders found the net four times to close down a league losing streak at four games as the late goal flurry in Limavady provided a welcome reward worth the wait.

Having conceded 14 times across a quartet of Premiership fixtures to forget during defeats against Carrick Rangers, Larne, Ballymena United and Coleraine, the Crues produced goals to remember over the free-scoring 4-1 road joy.

Elliot Dunlop kicked off and closed the away-day delight – with his opening finish on 51 minutes.

Both sides added to the scoresheet across late drama from minutes 83 to 92 as Owen Wardell’s wonderful angled effort doubled the advantage before Oisin Duffy delivered a home goal.

placeholder image — Donal Rocks' sliding celebration after scoring for Crusaders in victory over Limavady United. (Photo by Desmond Loughery/Pacemaker Press)

Donal Rocks’ superb lifted lob on the run from deep extended the Crusaders control before Dunlop cemented the 4-1 tally.

"We left it late, to be honest,” said Caddell on BBC Radio Ulster’s Sportsound. "First half I thought the boys were excellent, just probably missing that final touch and luck in around that box.

"It was much more of the same second half, opportunities came...three or four brilliant goals between the sides.

"It's a tough place to come, Limavady's form has shown that...so we're delighted just to get back down the road with three points."

Cadded added in his post-match review: "But, honestly, one to 11 the boys were excellent.

"Out of a squad of 23 this week we're missing 10 at the minute whether it be injury or suspension.

"So we're down to the bare bones and credit to the players, they've dug in this week at training and that's a result of a hard week's training.”

Crusaders’ senior status was left secure last season only thanks to coming out on top over Championship-based Annagh United in the two-leg promotion/relegation play-off.

A rebuilding job has provided Caddell with an exciting panel of players but one the Crues boss accepts is naturally still striving for consistency.

"After last season, this is going to be a season of ups and downs,” said Caddell. "I know we're going to win a few, we're going to get beat a few...I'm very comfortable with that, players are comfortable with that.

"We've tight-knit group in terms of myself, the players, the coaches so all we can do is keep striving on.

"But it's good to get the three points today.

"It is well-documented we're a young side, we do make naive decisions in terms of game management...that's all part of learning.”

LIMAVADY UNITED: Martin Gallagher, Kieran Farren, Tiarnan Boorman, Aaron Jarvis, Philip Lowry, Stephen Lowry, Lewis Tosh, Ruairi Boorman, John Butcher, Daniel Lafferty, Ronan Wilson. Subs: Callum Browne, Jay Riley, Oisin Duffy, Stephen O'Donnell, Adam Mullan, Luke Fleming, Leon Boyd.

CRUSADERS: Shea Callister, Graham Kelly, Jacob Blaney, Harry Jewitt-White, Elliot Dunlop, Donal Rocks, Owen Wardell, Josh Williamson, Aaron Reid, Lloyd Anderson, Lewis Barr. Subs: Rian Brown, Jack Doherty, Oilibhear McCart, Cooper Lambe, Oliver Peoples, Cameron Maciejewski-Healy, Malachi Harris.