THE Wingmakers hit back from two goals down to snatch a draw against fellow Europa League qualifiers Crusaders in Belfast.

In a highly competitive and sometimes fiesty affair at Seaview, both sides had early chances with Airbus keeper James Coates forced into a great save from Jordan Owens.

The first of some heavy challenges saw Tom Field ruffle Declan Caddell, who then shot just wide from 18 yards.

But Crues keeper Sean O'Neill did well to keep out an Andy Jones effort and Colin Coates cleared off the line from Jordan Johnson before Airbus took the lead, Field netting from the penalty spot after Chris Morrow had fouled Ryan Wignall.

The lead lasted only a couple of minutes before Crusaders hit back, Paul Heatley flicking the ball over a marker before beating Coates.

Johnson went close with a header for the visitors before Stephen Cockcroft put the hosts in front, firing home from a corner.

Heatley nearly added another just before the break, flashing his shot past an upright, but Airbus started the second half brightly in the Belfast sunshine.

Jordan Barrow tried to catch O'Neill off his line with a 45-yarder but it the Crues who scored again, Cockcroft providing the through ball for Heatley to net from 12 yards.

Wignall and Caddell were substituted at the referee's insistence following a clash, as Airbus hit back when Chris Budrys intercepted a defender's backpass to score.

And fellow substitute Mike Roddy scored direct from a corner in the 88th-minute to equalise an entertaining affair which provided both sides with a realistic test ahead of their European challenges this week.