Irish Premiership: Crusaders 3-0 Warrenpoint Town

Crusaders are up to second in the Premiership thanks to a comfortable 3-0 victory over basement boys Warrenpoint.

Jordan Owens nodded in from Dairmuid O'Carroll's cross to put the Crues ahead before the striker hit a post.

O'Carroll made it 2-0 midway through the second half, following up to slot home after keeper Martin Marron made a superb double save to deny Owens.

Owens rifled home to complete his double before the impressive Paul Heatley struck the Town crossbar.

Crusaders dominated from the start and it was no surprise when Stephen Baxter's side broke the deadlock on 12 minutes, with Heatley holding off the challenge of three opponents to set the up the chance.

Warrenpoint squandered two good chances for a quick leveller, with Johnny Breen missing the ball from close range before Stephen McCabe sliced wide.

Owens was denied by the woodwork after 17 minutes and the Crues had to wait until the 68th minute before doubling their tally.

Marron's heroics to keep out Owens proved to be in vain with O'Carroll perfectly placed to finish from the rebound.

Owens sealed the points and completed his double five minutes later with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.

A goal would have capped a superb display from Heatley but the winger saw his late effort strike the woodwork.

Crusaders go above Glenavon but remain two points behind pacesetters Cliftonville while Warrenpoint stay a point behind second-from-bottom Dungannon Swifts.