Stephen Baxter has hailed "outstanding" Jude Winchester after the midfielder helped Crusaders earn a big win over champions Linfield.
The Crues came from behind to beat the Blues 2-1 at Seaview on Friday night, with goals from midfield pair Jordan Forsythe and Philip Lowry.
But Baxter had special praise for 29-year-old Winchester, who he believes "nullified" Linfield's threat including their talisman Chris Shields.
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Baxter told the BBC: "I have to say our three midfield players on the night were sensational. I thought both Jordan Forsythe and Philip Lowry both did a magnificent job in that holding position and getting on top of the ball and leading the team forward from their position.
"But Jude Winchester for me was instrumental in what we were trying to do in terms of nullifying Linfield's dominance of the ball and taking Chris Shields out of the game in many ways.
"Jude has that quality and pace and he got about the pitch and hurried them a lot and didn't give them time on the ball to play their game. And he's a wonderful, crafty footballer.
"He has got nice ability and got us into good areas of the football pitch, and Jordan and Philip really got to work in the last 30 minutes of the match and got those goals at the right time."
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