Run of the nil

Last night’s 0-0 draw between Cliftonville and Crusaders was just the fifth time in history that Seaview has hosted a goalless North Belfast Derby.

Of the previous four occasions, two were League fixtures and two were in Cup competitions – with the Reds actually emerging on top when one progressed to a penalty shoot-out.

The first time we played out such a stalemate on the Shore Road was a City Cup tie in November 1955, while the 1979 County Antrim Shield Final likewise finished 0-0 before the Reds triumphed on spot-kicks.

The 2002 St Stephen’s Day Derby failed to produce any breakthrough, with last night’s clash – which, incidentally, was Cliftonville’s first 0-0 draw in an 84-match Premiership run stretching back to December 2017 – was the first goalless encounter with the Crues at Seaview since April 2004.

Seaview’s Goalless Derbies
November 26, 1955: Crusaders 0-0 Cliftonville (City Cup)
May 14, 1979: Crusaders 0-0 Cliftonville (County Antrim Shield Final) [Reds win on penalties]
December 26, 2002: Crusaders 0-0 Cliftonville (Premiership)
April 24, 2004: Crusaders 0-0 Cliftonville (Premiership)
March 3, 2020: Crusaders 0-0 Cliftonville (Premiership)