Linfield, Glentoran and Lisburn Distillery conceded 16 goals on their European travels this summer but Gareth McKeown feels Crusaders can keep their back door shut against FK Rabotnicki on Thursday.

The 1-1 draw at Mourneview Park has raised hopes that the Crues can progress in the Europa League but a committed backs to the wall performance without skipper Colin Coates will be required to keep the dream alive.

Right-back McKeown knows that Rabotnicki will be a different proposition in Macedonia but he is confident the north Belfast side’s European adventure will not end on Thursday.

“There is everything to play for as the draw has given us that extra chance,” he said.

“They were nothing special. Some of their passing was good but they never really hurt us. Losing a man (Colin Coates) you always fear the worst but we coped well and I still believe we can finish the job by getting a win.

“Our defence is very strong and a clean sheet will give us a big chance. The manager has different options and this club that hasn’t been in Europe for so long, believes it can get past this round of the Europa League.”

The Crues, minus several first team regulars, warmed up for Thursday’s rematch with a comfortable 2-1 win over Stranraer at Seaview yesterday.

Murray Henderson headed the visitors in front in the 22nd minute but further headed goals in the first half from Aaron Black and Ross Arthurs settled the contest.

In the 22nd minute the visitors opened the scoring when Henderson headed home Darren McGeough’s right-wing free-kick from six yards.

The lead lasted only four minutes as David McMaster’s cross was headed back across goal by Jordan Owens and Aaron Black nodded in from close range.

In the 36th minute Crusaders netted the winner when Dominic Melly’s deep cross was headed back into the danger area by Owens and Arthurs nodded the ball beyond keeper David Mitchell.

CRUSADERS: Hogg, Murray, Bowers, Coates, Magee, Black, Caddell, McMaster, Melly, Owens, Arthurs. Subs: Keenan (for Hogg 45) Doherty (for Murray 66), Emerson (for Caddell 34), McKeown (for Owens 75) Watterson.

STRANRAER: Mitchell, McGrath, Wright, Nicoll, Henderson, Donald, McGeough, Mitchell, Moore, Jack, Noble. Subs: Agostini (for Henderson 34), McColm (for Moore 45), Montgomery (McGeough 62), McMahon (Donald 58), Jones (Jack 62).

REFEREE: David Malcolm (Bangor)

l DUNGANNON Swifts recorded a 4-0 victory over Ballyclare Comrades at a soggy Dixon Park yesterday.

Michael Ward tapped in the first and seconds later Neil McCafferty doubled the lead from the penalty spot before Timmy Adamson and a Rodney McAree penalty completed proceedings.