Crues Claim North Belfast Bragging Rights

Chris Hegarty gets to grips with Cliftonville Paul O’Neil last night at snowy Solitude.Cliftonville .... (0)0 Crusaders .... (1)2

Covid concerns ditched, Stephen Baxter’s Crusaders propelled themselves back into the race for European spots last night, defeating tepid Cliftonville and damaging the Reds’ title aspirations.

It was a first home defeat after ten straight Solitude league victories for Paddy MacLaughlin’s men, and frankly one they deserved.

A thin blanket of snow veiled the green baize setting a white, wintry scene as the battle for North Belfast supremacy commenced.

Despite starting the game the brighter, Cliftonville’s football was all too conservative and rarely troubled a…