CRUSADERS are cementing themselves as formidable opposition against Linfield, having already tightly challenged them twice during the league this season, although they were only handed their first point against the champions on Tuesday night.

There was little to distinguish the two sides during the match, which was a consistent display of evenly matched chances and end to end play. However, despite promising passages of play throughout, all were inconsequential when it came to finding the back of the net.

The way in which circumstances curtailed both teams' finishing made for an edgy second half, as even deep into normal time each side looked capable of taking the lead.

Linfield have collected narrow victories against the Shore Road side, scraping past them with a solitary penalty at Windsor Park and won 3-2 on their sojourn to Seaview.

Six minutes in, Kevin McHugh came close for Linfield with a forceful strike from inside the area at the far side, taken at a tight angle by the former Derry City man after Glenn Ferguson served him, but it was saved by Aaron Kerr.

A few moments later, Crusaders' Declan Caddell turned into find Stephen Coulter who was gifted with a remarkable chance while one on one with the keeper - but he took his opportunity rather prematurely and blasted it high and wide.

Gareth McMcKeown emerged to latch onto David Rainey's corner, which had been put in from about twelve yards out before 'keeper Alan Mannus stretched to make a tremendous save. McHugh remerged to find John Martin, before his effort was first extinguished at the feet of Kerr and subsequently went out of play.

To inject a little more bite into his attack, Linfield boss David Jeffrey made a double substitution on 56 minutes. Jamie Tomelty made his debut when he was thrown on for the seasoned John Martin, while Mark McAllister was introduced for Kevin McHugh, who had been uncharacteristically ineffective..

The temperature escalated mid-way through the second period and one of Linfield's greatest chances from Steven Douglas - which eventually deflected off Stephen Coulter just inches before finding the target - had the visiting fans holding their breath.

Mark McAllister then came close to bundling the ball into the net from the six yard box but Kerr came off his line to smother the close range threat. Former Blues man Mark Dickson wormed into David Rainey who although was in a fine scoring position from about twelve yards out, watched as his shot rolled wide.

There was a frustrating yet electric thrashing of Crusaders' goal during the late stages but Linfield simply could not overcome Kerr, who although looked extremely challenged, still managed to keep a clean sheet.

"I am actually disappointed that we did not win, even though Linfield have proved themselves as seriously tough opposition throughout the season," Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter said after the game. "I thought that we certainly did enough to win the game and am disappointed that we did not come away with all three points.

"If you had asked me to choose one player that stood out above all the rest - I would honestly struggle. I'd struggle to name three or four as the whole squad was outstanding. I cannot fault their attitude or work rate and although I think we deserved to win, it is still an achievement to come to Windsor and get a result."

Jeffrey was unable to disagree with his opposite number. "Barring some important chances in the final stages, I have to admit that I thought Crusaders were the better team. They gave us a seriously tough challenge throughout and although at times it looked like either side could win, on this occasion I will settle for a draw as I thought Crusaders were excellent. They have come close to drawing with us earlier in the season, so I was expecting a very tough game."

Glentoran's win over Cliftonville at Solitude on Tuesday helps them close the gap to two points and the East Belfast side still have a game in hand.