McKee strike sends Linfield 19 points clear at top

Linfield did just enough to defeat a resilient Crusaders 2-1 and move 19 points clear at the top of the Irish Premiership thanks to goals from Joel Cooper and Chris McKee either side of a Ross Clarke equaliser in the first half.

Without new signing Kieran Offord in the line-up, the Blues made a blistering start and broke the deadlock after just seven minutes as Cooper pounced on a misplaced pass before firing his strike into the back of the net with help from the right-hand upright.

Crusaders, however responded immediately through Clarke, who smashed home the equaliser with a fierce strike beyond David Walsh at his near post.

David Healy's side regained their advantage just before the break as Cooper turned provider this time, setting up McKee who found the back of the net with a pinpoint strike as the left-hand upright helped divert the ball past Jonathan Tuffey.

Linfield hit the woodwork twice in quick succession in the second half, with Cooper striking the outside of the upright from a tight angle before Kyle McClean struck the post when it looked harder to miss.

The Blues were reduced to 10 men in injury time as Matthew Fitzpatrick was sent off but hung on to take all three points and extend their lead at the top of the table over Glentoran in second place.