Crusaders 1, Ballymena United 2

Ballymena striker Shane Dolan challenges Crusaders' Josh Robinson at Seaview. Picture: Press Eye.

The Sky Blues recovered from their 6-3 opening day defeat by Glenavon by inflicting Crusaders’ first home defeat in more than a calendar year.

It was a remarkable turnaround from United, who trailed 1-0 with 13 minutes left before staging an epic comeback.

Ballymena survived an early scare when Chris Morrow’s free kick from the right flank eluded everyone in front of goal.

Ballymena suffered an early blow as David Cushley - making his first appearance of the season after sustaining a collapsed lung in the summer - limped off after 18 minutes after picking up an ankle injury in a block tackle.

In a poor first half, one of the biggest talking points was a stoppage for referee Arnold Hunter, but the Maguiresbridge official was able to resume after treatment from United sports therapist Gordon McCartney.

The first meaningful effort of the game didn’t come until first half stoppage time when United keeper Dwayne Nelson dived full length to beat away Chris Morrow’s shot at the base of the post.

The home side took the lead five minutes after the restart when Eamon McALlister released Timmy Adamson and the striker lifted the ball past the advancing Nelson.

The United keeper prevented Crusaders from doubling their advantage on 65 minutes with a miraculous save to claw out McAllister’s shot, with the winger lashing the rebound against the underside of the crossbar.

After having been under pressure for a spell, United struck with an unlikely equaliser with 13 minutes left. A quickly-taken throw-in on the left, substitute Gary Liggett teed up Shane Dolan, whose shot deflected off Josh Robinson to wrong-foot keeper O’Neill.

Crusaders were alsmot back in front immediately afterwards when Jordan Owens’ shot came back off the underside of the bar.

THere was late drama as Alan Davidson’s long ball was missed by defender David Magowan and Liggett ran on to fire a crisp angled finish past O’Neill for the winning goal.

Crusaders: O’Neill, Magowan, E McAllister, Morrow, Adamson, Robinson, Caddell (sub Hanley 86), Heatley (sub D McAllister 85), McClean, Owens, King. Subs (not used): Wray, Lacroix.

Ballymena United: Nelson, Kane, Taylor, McCullagh (sub Stewart 61), McBride, Jenkins, Thompson, Davidson, Teggart, Lowry (sub Liggett 76), Cushley (sub Dolan 18). Subs (not used): Ruddy, Surgenor.

Referee: Arnold Hunter (Maguiresbridge).