Linfield 2-1 Crusaders
Linfield survived a late scare to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season with a 2-1 win over Crusaders at Windsor Park.
Andy Waterworth, who converted a first half penalty, and Niall Quinn, who headed home late on, were the stars of the show under a full moon in South Belfast.
Adam Lecky’s first goal for the Crues three minutes from time teed up a grandstand finish, but the Blues held on for a valuable three points.
Victory made it maximum points from three games for David Healy’s men and inflicted a first league defeat of the season on the Crues.
Linfield took the lead from the penalty spot in the 40th minute after Connor Pepper’s lung bursting overlap run drew a challenge from Michael Ruddy.
Pepper fell on contact, the referee pointed to the spot and Waterworth stepped up to coolly flight a panenka penalty beyond the diving Sean O’Neill.
It was a confident and clinical finish from the veteran striker who took his tally to a remarkable 176 goals in 314 appearances for the Blues.
A Quinn free-kick brushed the post on the hour mark before Crues keeper O’Neill rushed off his line to block a close range effort from Nasseri.
A Jamie McGonigle shot and David Cushley free-kick both tested Chris Johns before Linfield doubled their lead in the 84th minute.
Assist machine Kirk Millar produced an inviting cross and Niall Quinn arrived at the front post to flash a vicious header into the roof of the net.
Crusaders pulled one back three minutes later when Lecky headed home a Jordan Forsythe cross at close range, but Linfield held on for a crucial win.
