Crusaders 1 Loughgall 1
Benjamin Magee delivered a dramatic leveller for Loughgall against Crusaders
Defender Caolan Loughran celebrates Loughgall's late equaliser at Seaview against Crusaders
Crusaders winger Paul Heatley opened the scoring for his team against Loughgall
Benjamin Magee saluted Loughgall’s never-say-die mentality after the Villagers grabbed an unlikely point at Seaview.
Crusaders had battered Carrick Rangers 9-0 in their last Premiership outing on the Shore Road, but the top-flight new boys took the fight to a side that looked a little jaded after their midweek commitments against Glentoran. Paul Heatley could easily have had a hat-trick, but a battling Loughgall also created chances and were good value for their point.
Heatley fired the hosts ahead with 15 minutes remaining before Magee levelled for 10-man Loughgall five minutes from time.
In the aftermath of the hosts taking the lead, Aaron Duke, who had just been on the pitch for two minutes, saw a red card for dissent from referee Keith Kennedy.
Caolan Loughran rattled the crossbar with a free-kick and Jonny Tuffey also made a few smart saves to frustrate Loughgall.
Defender Caolan Loughran celebrates Loughgall's late equaliser at Seaview against Crusaders
Magee’s late leveller was a fine move culminating in him lifting the ball over Daniel Larmour and then Tuffey.
“I’m delighted with the goal – I mishit it, so I was pleased to see it go in,” said the 21-year-old.
“Everyone played really well, we worked so hard and deserved something from the game.
“After they scored and we had a man sent off, it wasn’t good, but we are not a side that gives up – we didn’t last season and we won’t now. We have a never-say-die mentality. I think we played so well
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