Rodney McAree believes new cutting edge has changed Dungannon Swifts’ outlook

Dungannon Swifts 2 Crusaders 2

Andy Mitchell leads the celebrations after drawing Dungannon Swifts level

Stewart Nixon closes in on Dungannon goalkeeper Declan Dunne

Crusaders' Jordan Forsythe beats John Scott to the ball

Crusaders' Ryan Donnelly attempts to find a way past John Scott

Jarlath O'Rourke hails Ben Kennedy following his late leveller for Crusaders

Rodney McAree believes Dungannon Swifts’ extra attacking firepower has been key to their changing fortunes this season.

They are almost safe from relegation heading into the last 10 games, having scraped through a play-off to survive last term.

One big factor is the number of goals scored — 47 so far, compared to 28 in the whole of the last campaign. Only Larne, Linfield, Cliftonville and Glentoran have got more.

Another two came against Crusaders on Saturday, albeit Ben Kennedy’s stoppage time strike meant the points were shared.

Stewart Nixon closes in on Dungannon goalkeeper Declan Dunne

McAree said: “We have real options this season, and that is pleasing. When we came in at the start of the season, we knew we had to improve from last season and that meant scoring more goals.

“We’ve done that, we’ve scored a lot more, and it has really helped us. I still believe we have conceded too many goals, so we have to make sure we work to reduce that.”

McAree cited Crusaders’ stoppage-time equaliser — which came a minute after the Swifts had taken a 2-1 lead through Joe Moore — admitting they “threw away” two points here.

Having trailed to Kennedy’s first-half goal, the Swifts came back strongly after the break. Goals from Andrew Mitchell and then Moore put them in front.

But Kennedy’s immediate equaliser saw the points shared, and left McAree frustrated.

Crusaders'