It was always going to be difficult for Crusaders to find a replacement for Fraser Bryden, who left north Belfast to join Chesterfield. With the main goal threat gone, Adam Brooks stepped up. The 22-year-old arrived from Queen of the South on a two-year deal and finally delivered, netting a hat-trick to secure a 3-2 victory over 10-man Portadown at Seaview.

Brooks showed real striker’s instinct to open the scoring, followed by composed finishes that completed his treble. “I'm still learning and this is such a competitive league,” Brooks said. Manager Declan Caddell praised his young forward’s development, noting, “He’s a predator in the box... the goals will come.”

The win reinforced Caddell’s aim to make Seaview a fortress. Conversely, it was another tough day for returning Portadown boss David Jeffrey, who has now suffered three opening defeats following sloppy defending and an early dismissal for Finn Flanagan.