Crusaders overturn early deficit to edge Ballymena at Seaview

Crusaders came from behind to defeat Ballymena United 2-1 after Igor Rutkowski had given the visitors an early lead.

By Belfast Herald Sport1 min read

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NIFL Premiership

Match centre

Full time

SeaviewSat 15 Aug, 15:00Updated 15:34:17Official fixture

Timeline

10'
Igor RUTKOWSKIGoal · Ballymena United
28'
David WALSHOwn goal · Crusaders
29'
Scot WHITESIDEYellow card · Ballymena United
75'
Lloyd ANDERSONSubstitution · Crusaders
85'
James HOOD / Joshua ARCHERSubstitution · Ballymena United
85'
Sean MURRAY / Daithi MCCALLIONSubstitution · Ballymena United
88'
Karter BOND / Robert WEIRSubstitution · Crusaders
90'
Sean MURRAYYellow card · Ballymena United

Crusaders recovered from an early setback to beat Ballymena United 2-1 in the NIFL Premiership at Seaview.

Igor Rutkowski put Ballymena ahead in the 10th minute and gave the visitors an ideal start as they looked to build on the previous weekend's victory at Windsor Park.

The game turned before half-time. David Walsh's own goal brought Crusaders level in the 28th minute, and the home side moved in front with a second goal in the 42nd minute.

Ballymena made two late changes in search of a response, with James Hood and Daithi McCallion introduced in the 85th minute. Crusaders protected their one-goal advantage and closed out a 2-1 win.

It gave Crusaders their first points of the league season after a 2-1 defeat at Cliftonville on the opening night. Ballymena, 3-0 winners away to Linfield in their first match, were unable to turn Rutkowski's early goal into another victory.