Crusaders 2
Ballinamallard United 1
Ballinamallard’s four match unbeaten run came to an end at Seaview on Saturday with Jordan Owens’ 90th minute winner.
The defeat leaves the Mallards still in seventh place, but moves Crusaders closer to leaders Linfield after their shock 1-0 defeat to Linfield.
The Mallards had taken the lead on 44 minutes. Goalkeeper Sean O’Neill spilled Ryan Campbell’s shot, and Mark Stafford was on hand to poke in from close range.
But in the second half Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter changed things, introducing Eamon McAllister and Gary McCutcheon.
Each played a significant part in bringing the Seaview side back into the game and eventually securing the three points.
Crusaders equalised on 63 minutes after a spell of sustained pressure. Eamon McAllister fired in after Magowan’s header had been cleared off the line and McCutcheon played a part in the winner, which was scored by Jordan Owens in injurytime.
It was Magowan and Stafford who were involved in the Crusaders equaliser 20 minutes into the second half.
Magowan’s header was nodded off the line by Stafford , but the ball bounced out in the middle of the goal to McAllister to score.
The Ferney Park side were harshly reduced to 10 men on 79 minutes when Jason McCartney was shown a red card for a late challenge on Magowan, but looked like they would hold off for a point.
That was until Nigel Beacom failed to clear a ball from the right side of the penalty area.
McCutcheon took possession and fed Heatley who in turn set up McAlister.
Ballinamallard keeper Alvin Rouse spilled his shot to the feet of Owens and he made no mistake from four yards.