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Crusaders strengthened their hold on third spot in the Premiership table as they came from behind to defeat fourth-placed Portadown at Seaview.

After Timmy Adamson had struck the Portadown woodwork, Darren Murray put the visitors ahead on 35 minutes with a close-range finish.

However, Gary McCutcheon levelled in first half injury before Jordan Owens put the Crues ahead on 49 minutes.

Paul Heatley capped his fine display with a superb 20-yard effort on 61.

Heatley had missed a couple of first-half chances and his pace troubled the Portadown defence throughout the contest.

After Murray had put the Ports ahead, Heatley ran clear before rounding keeper David Miskelly but the winger ran out of room as the danger was averted.

Portadown were then luft fuming by McCutcheon's equaliser after referee Tim Marshall had awarded the Crues a throw-in when it appeared obvious that the ball had been headed out near halfway by Owens.

Ronnie McFall made clear his anger as he remonstrated with the referee after the half-time whistle sounded.

McFall's mood will not have been helped by his defence allowing an unmarked Owens to nod the Crues ahead on 49 minutes.

Heatley then curled in a glorious third Crues goal on 61 after good work by McCutcheon.