The Crues pulled one back in the 23rd minute when Owens headed in after Martin Donnelly's corner.

BBC: Crusaders 5-4 Glenavon

The main witness is Martin Donnelly, the permanent secretary of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

BBC: Week ahead in Parliament

Robert Garrett, Martin Donnelly, James Lawrie and Shane Ferguson were then handed first caps late in the low-key friendly.

BBC: Worthington praise for NI display

It all changed within seconds of the restart as Crues winger Martin Donnelly shot wide after being put through by David Rainey.

BBC: Cliftonville 2-1 Crusaders

Coates scored the winner from a Martin Donnelly cross while, at the other end, Keenan saved Andy Smith's header on the line.

BBC: Ballymena Utd 1-2 Crusaders

Squad regular Alan Mannus is joined by Crusaders pair Colin Coates and Martin Donnelly, Coleraine's Stephen Carson and Linfield midfielder Robert Garrett.

BBC: Irish League quintet in NI squad

Crusaders refused to lie down and Martin Donnelly saw his flick header cleared off the line before Owens reduced the Seaview men's deficit.

BBC: Crusaders 2-3 Linfield

Fellow Irish League players Colin Coates, Martin Donnelly and Robert Garrett are new faces in the panel while Linfield keeper Alan Mannus is a regular in the squad.

BBC: Carson surprised after NI call-up

Mannus' club colleague Robert Garrett, Martin Donnelly, James Lawrie and Shane Ferguson were also handed first caps late in the game as the Irish continued to battle gamely.

BBC: Italy 3-0 Northern Ireland

He is one of five Irish League players in the panel, the others being Coleraine winger Stephen Carson, Linfield midfielder Robert Garrett and Crusaders pair Colin Coates and Martin Donnelly.

BBC: Keeper Tuffey set to start for NI