League leaders Crusaders continued their impressive winning run with a 3-1 triumph over Glentoran II at Ashfield Boy's School on Monday night, a result which sends them 12 points clear at the top of the NIFL Premiership Development League.
Matthew Archer fired the visitors in front with just three minutes on the clock before Glentoran responded on 25 minutes.
David Rainey's side dug deep in the second period and were rewarded for their efforts as they regained the lead on 67 minutes courtesy of a goal from Bradley Maguire.
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Jay Boyd continued his fine run of form in front of goal as he netted Crusaders' third goal seven minutes from time to ensure they took home all three points against the Glens for the second time this season.
With Linfield Swifts not in action, the result ensured Crusaders were able to stretch their lead at the top of the table to twelve points, albeit with a game in hand.
Crusaders' boss David Rainey was glad that his players continued their trend of starting games quickly in difficult conditions.
“It was another great win and performance on the road against a very good Glentoran side. Both teams played some great football at times, on a difficult surface in that frosty weather when a lot of other games were postponed.
I’m very pleased to come away with the three points, and keep the momentum going. The focus and determination the boys are showing at the minute is what’s needed to win games in this league" he said.
Rainey was keen to praise the contribution of Boyd, who bagged his eighteenth goal of the season in the game and is on the fringes of the first team.
“It’s great to see Jay back scoring goals again. As a striker that’s what you want to do week in week out. Jay offers so much more than just goals, the way he can hold the ball up and bring other people into play is very good.
He went through a barren patch there for a while, but was still a very important player for us. This is why he’s in and around the first team, and if he keeps developing and learning, he’ll definitely get more appearances for the first team” he added.
The boss has also been pleased with the fact that a number of young players have taken the opportunities presented to them at first team level by Crusaders’ current lengthily injury list.
“It was very pleasing to see Lewis Barr getting a start against Coleraine. He is another young player with great quality getting an opportunity. With the injuries and illness the first team are having at the minute, it gave some of the young lads a chance to travel to Coleraine. Our captain Corrie Burns, and Conor Quinn were brought along also, with Corrie making the bench.
This sends out a great message to the lads that the Gaffer is quite happy to dip into the 20’s when he needs to. That must be a great incentive to any of the young lads to push on and to be knocking on the manager’s door” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Glentoran II are now winless in three games. They remain in fourth place, but will be looking nervously over their shoulder with Ballymena Reserves just one point behind them with two games in hand.
Their manager Norman Kelly lamented a slow start in the game, but praised the performance of his young side, particularly in the second half against a more experienced Crusaders outfit.
“Monday was gonna be a big challenge for us against a strong experienced reserve team. I was disappointed for the boys to not get something from the game. They gave everything in difficult conditions and that's all I can ask.
We didn't help ourselves conceding within five minutes of the start of the game, but we regrouped and showed great character getting ourselves back in the game. That really pleased me. I thought we competed well and had we taken some of our chances early in the second half the outcome may have been different.
I have been delighted with the performances and the attitude over the last few weeks and the experience playing regular at this level can only benefit their development" he said.
The cold weather meant that only two other games went ahead. On Monday evening, Larne Olympic recorded back to back victories for the first time this season as they thrashed Glenavon 6-0 at Inver Park.
Strengthened by the inclusion of some first teamers, including new signing Thomas Maguire, Jay Patterson put them ahead on 21 minutes, with Ben Walker adding a swift second just four minutes later.
Patterson then got his second and Larne's third on 52 minutes, before Andy Scott notched a quickfire brace himself to put the result beyond doubt. Dylan Sloan then completed the scoring by netting Larne's sixth with ten minutes remaining.
The win was only their fourth all season, whilst the heavy defeat halted Glenavon's recent seven game unbeaten streak.
On Wednesday, Ballymena edged Cliftonville 1-0 at Solitude to make it three straight wins as they closed in on fourth placed Glentoran. A second half goal from Leon Graham was enough to seal the win for the young Sky Blues in North Belfast.
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