Rapturous applause rings out around Windsor Park as Linfield clinch a massive three points! 

Aaron Burns's first-half strike was enough to separate the sides and reduce their opponent's lead at the top to just one point. 

What a declaration of intent from David Healy's men!

While the match may not have fully delivered as a spectacle, it's difficult to overstate the importance of the result. Crusaders simply didn't create enough in attack - reeling from the absence of Jordan Owens - and the one moment of genuine quality from Burns proved decisive. 

Three points for Stephen Baxter's side away to Cliftonville next week is now absolutely imperative, and they will be hoping that David Jeffrey can get one over on his former side when Ballymena welcome Linfield to the Showgrounds. 

Coleraine's outstanding unbeaten run is extended to 16 matches as they move five points ahead of Cliftonville in the standings thanks to Darren McCauley's second-half double.

O'Neill denies Burns to keep Crusaders alive! The scorer of the game's only goal was picked out expertly by substitute Kirk Millar, but couldn't find the back of the net this time. It will be immaterial though if it stays this way...

We're in the dying embers and Linfield are doing well at keeping possession and frustrating Crusaders, who are looking decidedly crestfallen now. 

Only five minutes left and Sean Ward replaces Chris Casement to provide some fresh legs for Linfield as they try to close out a massive victory. 

Meanwhile, Aaron Burns and Craig McClean exchange presumably expletive-laden sentiments after the former boots the ball into the stands to waste time. It's getting a bit tetchy down there. 

James McLaughlin unleashes a shot which flies narrowly wide of the post.

Distinguished ex-Coleraine players Michael O'Neill and Steve Lomas must be impressed by their former side's endeavours this afternoon.

The Northern Ireland manager and the former international midfielder are both taking in the action at Ballycastle Road this afternoon.

Heatley looks to the heavens after spurning a golden opportunity to draw level! A mistake from the Linfield defence allows the forward to break clear but his weak effort is stopped by Carroll. It's been one of those days for Heatley! 

Will Crusaders get another chance as big as that? If anything, they will hope that incident can inject some much-needed urgency into their play. 

Mikel Suarez has replaced Gavin Whyte as well. 

The game has entered a bit of a lull and there's been a few sloppy passages of play, clearly indicating how nerves are still playing a part here. Crusaders are yet to demonstrate signs of a revival, though, and they're running out of time. Roy Carroll is surely surprised at how little he's been tested throughout this game, with or without Jordan Owens. 

Kyle Owens glances a header just wide of the upright for the Sky Blues.

Burns is found with a corner and heads towards goal, but O'Neill does well to scurry across and spill it behind for a corner. Questionable set-piece defending from the champions yet again. 

Jason Mooney produces a fine stop to save from Eoin Bradley.

Cliftonville are pushing for an equaliser at Ballycastle Road but struggling to create many clearcut chances against a well organised home defence. Jay Donnelly had the best opening but was unable to find the target.

The Reds have won only one of their last six but are the only team to win at the Coleraine Showgrounds this season.

Gavin Whyte tries his luck with an acrobatic effort but it sails well over the bar. We know he possesses excellent technique but that was ambitious, even by his high standards. 63 minutes gone and it's all going to plan for Linfield - but will there be a late sting in the tail?