Linfield 1-2 Crusaders

Premiership champions Linfield fell to a second defeat of the campaign as Declan Caddell scored the winner for Crusaders at Windsor Park.

The Crues had taken the lead early in the second half when Robert Garrett's foul on Paul Heatley resulted in Gary McCutcheon scoring with a penalty.

Mark McAllister netted a brilliant shot on the turn to equalise for Linfield in the 53rd minute.

Caddell charged forward to volley the winner from McCutcheon's cross.

The defeat leaves David Jeffrey's men on five points from their five matches, six points behind the early pacesetters Cliftonville.

Crusaders are up to a second, just one point behind the Reds.

The first half was goal-less, despite both sides having their chances.

Linfield's Alan Blayney pulled off an early save as McCutcheon's shot looked destined for the top corner, and at the other end Billy Joe Burns shot over.

Linfield suffered an injury blow when Peter Thompson had to go off, Gary Browne coming on as the Blues replacement.

Crues keeper Sean O'Neill made a good stop from Brian McCaul while Blayney saved Timmy Adamson's shot on the turn.

Crusaders took the lead in the 48th minute when the former Carrick winger Heatley was brought down and McCutcheon netted from the spot.

The lead, though, vanished five minutes later as McAllister, who started in place of Michael Carvill, turned to equalise with a spectacular 25-yard shot.

Crusaders regained the lead as Caddell blasted in and then, as Linfield pushed for a second equaliser, Crues keeper O'Neill came out to deny substitute Daryl Fordyce.