Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter saluted the predatory instincts of Paul Heatley whose second half wonder goal helped the Shore Road boys lift Saturday's White Ribbon Charity Shield at Windsor Park.
Heatley was only on the pitch two minutes – he replaced Johnny Murray – when he produced his moment of magic.
The 34-year-old then set up his team’s second goal, despatched ruthlessly by new signing Rory McKeown.
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It’s the first time the tournament has been staged since 2017 and Heatley certainly made it one to remember as the Crues ran out 2-0 winners.
“That’s what Paul Heatley is all about, it was a lovely goal,” said Baxter. “It was a classic strike. He does that sort of stuff non-stop in training. When he is on his game he is a joy to watch.
“He has so much quality. It was a feisty enough game and it was calling out for someone with that little bit of quality – and Paul provided it.
“The game itself was all about fitness levels. It was high tempo stuff and we probably shaded it in terms of chances created. But it was extra competitive and it was just what we needed ahead of the start of the League campaign next week."
With a vital Europa League game against FC Zurich in Switzerland looming on Thursday night – the Blues lost the home leg 2-0 - it was hardly surprising Healy changed his entire starting eleven.
But an injury to Niall Quinn forced the former Northern Ireland striker into an early re-jig, with the influential Chris Shields introduced to the fray after only 22 minutes.
It was the Crues who looked the more likely to break the deadlock, with Daniel Larmour trying an audacious lob from distance before Johnny McMurray rapping one over the top.
Blues goalkeeper David Walsh was forced into action for the first time on 33 minutes, getting down smartly to smother a Ben Kennedy drive.
Then, at the other end a slick inter-change between Joel Copper and Kirk Millar resulted in Johnny Tuffey gobbling up the winger’s cross before Ethan Devine could pounce.
The Blues upped the ante after the restart with Cooper testing Tuffey at the near post before the shot-stopper brilliantly pawed away another effort from the same player.
But it was the Crues who broke the deadlock on 68 minutes. Heatley was gifted time and space inside the box and he curled a beauty over the outstretched gloves of Walsh.
The Crues struck again four minutes later. This time Heatley turned provider, twisting and turning inside the box before finding McKeown, who really could miss from six yards.
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