Europa League action: Crusaders clinch first leg win

Crusaders are in with a chance of progressing into the next round of the Europa League after beating Liepaja 3-1 at Seaview on Thursday night.

However, manager Stephen Baxter will air caution as their Latvian opponents scored an away goal which could make all the difference in the second leg.

Philip Lowry fired the impressive Crues ahead on 28 minutes and a superb first half was complete when Michael Carvill added a second ten minutes before the break.

Things looked to be going firmly in the way of the Crues when Jordan Owens made it 3-0 on 51 minutes, but the visitors hit back on 66 minutes and that goal changed the flow of game.

It could have been worse as Liepaja hit the bar with another effort, but Baxter's men held on to their two goal advantage which gives them the edge in the tie.