Jamie McGonigle opened his account for Limavady United in their 2-1 Premiership win over Crusaders FC. The 30-year-old striker, on loan from Coleraine, scored the decisive second goal at Seaview on Saturday, handing the hosts their second defeat in three league games. Crusaders sit 5th in the Premiership on 12 points after seven matches, a position they will aim to improve when they visit second-placed Linfield this weekend.

The loan move and reunion with Owens

McGonigle joined Limavady on transfer deadline day, reuniting with manager Paul Owens. Owens had previously worked with the forward during their time together at Coleraine. The Limavady boss said the deal required significant effort over the final weeks of the window. "Jamie's going to score goals," Owens said. "For me, he's one of the best strikers in the Premiership and he's a natural finisher."

McGonigle's background and Crusaders connection

The striker has a history with Crusaders, having played for the north Belfast club earlier in his Premiership career. He returned to the Irish League in 2024 after a spell with Derry City, where he netted 24 times in 76 top-flight appearances. A brief loan at Sligo Rovers this term was cut short, paving the way for his move to Limavady.

Why Limavady brought in McGonigle

Owens turned to the experienced McGonigle to lead a young attacking line. Before his arrival, Limavady's forward options included five players aged 24 or younger, none of whom had scored a Premiership goal. The manager needed a proven marksman to guide the group and provide a cutting edge. McGonigle's goal against Crusaders, which came in the 50th minute after Paul Lowry's opener, delivered exactly that. Eamon Dunlop pulled one back for the Crues late on, but it wasn't enough.

Owens expressed full confidence in his new signing. The win was Limavady's first of the campaign, lifting them off the bottom of the table. Crusaders, meanwhile, must regroup after a 3-0 win over Dungannon Swifts was followed by this setback. Their next challenge is a tough trip to Windsor Park to face Linfield on Saturday. Check the latest standings to see how the table looks ahead of that clash.

First reported at newsletter.co.uk