Dream night for Crusaders’ hat-trick hero Bryden

Crusaders striker Fraser Bryden said he would “go to sleep” with the match ball as his first career hat-trick propelled Crusaders to a 3-1 win at Bangor.

The 21-year-old Scot arrived at Seaview from Ayr United in July and took just two minutes to open his account for the club in last week’s defeat to Carrick Rangers.

However, it was a much happier night for the north Belfast side on Tuesday as they came from a goal behind at Clandeboye Park with Bryden to the fore, but it also took two penalty saves from goalkeeper Musa Dibaga to see them home against the Seasiders who finished with nine men.

“It was an eventful game to say the least,” Bryden told BBC Sport NI afterwards.

“I’m delighted to come away with the three points, which is the most important thing. It’s a tough place to come and even better to get my first professional hat-trick, so a happy night. I’m going to tuck it (ball) in and go to sleep with it tonight.

“That was my second competitive game for the Crues and I’m enjoying so far. Hopefully every game isn’t that eventful and we can tighten up defensively and not concede sloppy goals.”