Crusaders Reserves cruised to a 3-0 victory over Linfield Swifts to further stretch their lead at the top of the NIFL Premiership Development table at Seaview on Monday night.
A first half blitz with three goals in the first 20 minutes was enough to secure a sixth straight victory for David Rainey's side and move them nine points clear of the Blues, who fell to a fourth loss on the spin in North Belfast and lost further ground in the race for the title.
Crusaders, boosted by the inclusion of first-teamers Dean Ebbe and Josh Robinson upon his return from a serious facial injury sustained in September, raced into the lead after just three minutes as Bradley Maguire fired them in front.
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Jay Boyd doubled their advantage six minutes later with his 17th goal of the season in all competitions. Aidan Steele then added a third in the 19th minute.
Whilst the previous meeting between these sides saw Linfield come back from two goals down to rescue a point, the Swifts were left with too much to do in this game. They were unable to repeat the feat again as they had no answer in the second period with Crusaders seeing out the game comfortably.
Crusaders boss Rainey was delighted with how fast his side came out of the blocks at Seaview to continue their recent winning streak, but is keen to ensure standards don't slip.
"I’m very pleased with how we started the game. The lads knew they had to be up to speed right from the off," he said.
"Both teams started well, and it was played at a great pace. The early goal we got certainly helped settle any nerves, and allowed us to settle into the game and play some nice football.
"It was one of them nights when the players took their opportunities when presented with them, which meant we got a second and third goal within 20 minutes or so.
"We’ve been playing well, and have had some difficult away games lately as well as some convincing home wins. Hopefully this gives the lads that winning mentality needed to stay in the position we have got ourselves in.
"We’re only half way through a very difficult league, with some great teams. If you lose focus for one minute, it’s so easy to lose one or two games in a row."
Rainey was also pleased to be able to call upon the experience of Robinson as he builds up fitness ahead of his return to the first team fray.
"Josh has been working hard in gym since his serious injury, and has been busting to get back playing," Rainey added.
"I’m delighted for him to be back, and working now to get his match fitness up so he can push to get playing again with the first team again. I’m sure the gaffer will be delighted also, as they’re having a lot of injuries of late, and leaving him short of options."
The manager reserved praise for Steele, who he believes is starting to find his feet in North Belfast after taking a few months to adapt to the Irish League since moving home from England.
"Aidan is a great lad, with a great attitude towards football. He’s always asking for feedback on his performances, and wanting to improve any areas needed," Rainey added.
"The style of football he’s used to playing in England might slightly differ from the Irish League, and Aidan just needs to adapt to it. I have noticed a vast improvement from his first match until now. If he keeps progressing I’m sure it’ll not be long until he’s knocking on the door for a start in the first team."
Meanwhile, Linfield Swifts manager Michael Gault lamented some poor defending in the early stages which he felt cost his side in the game.
"I think we conceded silly and very easy goals. We work on being hard to break down and to beat but I felt last night Crusaders, with a more experienced side took advantage of us, and scored three goals. We will look to rectify this in the next couple of weeks and hopefully the boys will learn from it," he said.
Gault played down the significance of Linfield's recent slump in form, pointing to the fact that a number of his players have been with the first team recently.
"From one week to the next you don’t know who you’re having or playing against but it’s great for our kids to be involved in the first team and I’m fine with that," he said.
"I’ll be delighted if they keep getting the call up and if we can play a part in them getting there we’ll be happy. I think we’re doing that well at the minute so long may it continue."
He also highlighted the fact that many of the sides they have faced in the last few weeks have featured a number of first teamers dropping down for game time which has made the Swifts' task much harder.
"I think we’ve been unfortunate in term of the teams we’ve faced in the last few weeks have been playing lots of first teamers. Portadown had four, Glenavon and Ballymena had five and even Crusaders had a few on Monday," he said.
"It’s brilliant learning curve for our kids and I’ve said from day one I’m not here to win the U20 league, I just want our players to develop and get to the first team, that’s our objective. I don’t even look at the league table I just want our boys to go out and perform well.
"It’s a great experience for our boys against men, especially on Monday against the likes Josh Robinson, who has been there done it. For our boys to see how he defends and gets through games, it’s a learning opportunity.
"They should strive to be like him and Niall Quinn, who was playing for us. If they don’t learn form playing with and against top pros like that they’ll not learn at all."
Elsewhere, a strong Ballymena Reserves side leapfrogged Coleraine Reserves into seventh place with a last gasp 3-1 victory over Carrick Rangers Reserves at the Ballymena Showgrounds.
Caolan Loughran gave the Sky Blues the lead in the 28th minute, but it appeared Max Titterington had rescued a point for Carrick when he equalised on 85 minutes. Late goals from Kenny Kane and Ben Mallon in the 89th and 94th minute respectively enabled Ballymena to record a second successive league victory.
Larne Olympic bounced back from last week's defeat against Dungannon Swifts II in emphatic fashion as they defeated Coleraine Reserves 4-0 at the Coleraine Showgrounds to secure only their third win of the season.
After falling to a 2-1 loss last time these sides met, Larne got off to the perfect start when Andy Scott notched to put them ahead on 22 minutes.
Bryce Gray doubled their advantage just after the hour mark, with Kye Livingstone netting the third with twenty minutes remaining. Jack Hastings completed the scoring ten minutes from time as the young Bannsiders slipped to a second loss in a row.
Glentoran II and Portadown Reserves played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Ashfield Boys School.
The away side went in front on 14 minutes courtesy of James McMullen. JP Lagan responded for the Glens on 38 minutes before Igor Rutkowski fired Portadown back in front in the 71st minute.
Late drama would ensue, however, when Ports goalkeeper Ruadhan McKenna conceded a penalty and received his marching orders for his strong protestations to the referee.
Rhys Walsh duly converted the resulting spot kick to rescue a point for the East Belfast outfit, who were unable to make their man advantage count in the final stages of the game.
The result halts Portadown's two game losing streak and moves them to within a point of Carrick, albeit having played a game more, whilst Glentoran remain fourth in the table.
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