Crusaders Reserves secured a routine 3-0 victory over Portadown Reserves at Seaview to end a two-game losing streak in the NIFL Development League on Monday night
David Rainey's team ended Portadown's own recent run of good form courtesy of first half goals from Jay Boyd and Matthew Archerafter, with the former then adding his second and a third for his side in the second period as they claimed all three points after losing back-to-back games against Cliftonville and Glenavon.
The win ensures that the North Belfast side, who won the title last year, remain level on points with Linfield at the top of the table having played a game more than the Blues.
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Their boss David Rainey, who took over this season, was pleased that his side could get back on track after a rocky few weeks.
"That was a great result, Portadown give us a tough game down at their place earlier in the season, so I knew we were going to have to be at our best to get a positive result. Getting two early goals certainly helped settle any early nerves and allowed us to go and play some great football.
"We’ve came off the back of consecutive league defeats, without actually playing bad. We created enough chances in both games, but just didn’t finish them chances off. As I said to the young lads, I’d be more concerned if we weren’t creating chances at all" he reflected.
Rainey reserved particular praise for Boyd after his goalscoring heroics, and believes he is the next on the long line of talents produced by the Crusaders academy to break into the first team, if he continues to apply himself correctly.
"Jay has a great opportunity to go on and do well in this game. He’s at a great club to help him along the way. Crusaders are a club that over the years have always brought youth through, and some have gone on to bigger and better things across the water.
"He has great talent, and a real handful for defenders. His hold up play, along with his finishing is right up there. All this along with an excellent attitude towards training and being at the top of his game is why he’s been signed on a pro deal by the club" he said.
The boss is eager for Crusaders to retain their title this year and once again show that the future is bright at Seaview but concedes it will be a far greater challenge than it was to win it last year.
"Retaining a league is harder than winning a league, because everyone is gunning for you the following season. You have to be on top of your game every single time you play. I’ve taken over this year with the aim to help as many young lads along the way on their journey to play football at the highest level possible.
"Not only helping on the football side of things, but the mentality needed to be a top footballer. Anyone involved in the game knows what comes with playing at the top clubs, and what the fans want. So, to also get that mindset of winning and turning it into success is also as important."
Meanwhile Portadown's boss Aaron McNeill was left wondering what could have been for his side as he rued the numerous chances they missed during the game.
"It was a tough game. We started poorly and were 2-0 down, but we eventually settled and grew into the game. We missed a few good opportunities, testing their goalkeeper at a crucial stage when we needed a goal before the break.
"In the second half we started well and had further opportunities to get back into the game with Jake Gorman hitting the crossbar and soon after putting a header over the bar. We seemed to lack that cutting edge in front of goal and their third goal killed the game" he summarised.
Although frustrated that Portadown, who had been on a four-game unbeaten streak, couldn't get anything out of the game McNeill believes mitigating factors such as injury can help to explain the result.
"We are disappointed to lose any game, but we certainly are not downhearted after tonight. We had six players out through injury and sickness who have been key to us during our recent run, but we were able to play five of our U18s and give them valuable experience at this level.
"Crusaders are one of the top sides in the league and will be a tough game for everyone. Our aim is to keep working hard and to improve our game."
In Monday night's other fixtures, Michael Gault's in form Linfield ensured they remain firmly in the title hunt with a resounding 4-1 win over Larne Olympic at Inver Park.
Aodhan Doherty fired them ahead with just a minute on the clock with Kielan Reid adding a second three minutes before the break.
Larne pulled a goal back on 57 minutes before Mitchel Watterson restored the Blues' two goal advantage on 74 minutes.
Reid then wrapped up the win as he netted again with just four minutes remaining, with Linfield now unbeaten in eight league games.
Their Big Two rivals Glentoran II bounced back from last week’s narrow defeat against their rivals to thrash Newry Reserves 7-1 at the Oval.
The result extends bottom side Newry’s winless run to 10 games, whilst it pushes the Glens up to fourth in the table, albeit with a game in hand over Dungannon below them.
Mid-table sides Carrick and Glenavon played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at the Loughview Leisure Arena. The result ensures Glenavon are now unbeaten in four games with Liam Corr, Luca McAreavey and Jesse Turner netting their goals.
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