Crusaders 2-0 Sligo Rovers

Crusaders are in a strong position in the Setanta Cup semi-final thanks to a David Rainey double in the first leg.

Lee Lynch netted for Rovers but it was ruled offside while Crues striker Timmy Adamson wasted a close-range chance.

Rainey diverted Chris Morrow's fierce free-kick into the net to give the Irish League side a 41st minute lead.

Sligo had a penalty appeal turned down before the forward sealed the win with a powerful header from David McMaster's cross nine minutes from time.

Adamson scuffed his six-yard shot but it still required a good save from Gary Rogers to deny the attacker.

Rogers kept out an Adamson header before Rainey deflected Morrow's free-kick into the bottom corner for a deserved opener.

Sligo may top the Aitricity League standings but they failed to build any momentum at Seaview, although they were unlucky when a Colin Coates tackle on Raffaele Cretero did not result in a penalty.

Crusaders remained the more threatening and they scored a second goal through Rainey's header from six yards.

Cretaro saw a late shot saved by Sean O'Neil and Sligo now face an uphill task in next Monday's second leg at the Showgrounds.