Crusaders manager Declan Caddell said “everything clicked” for his side during their 2-1 victory over Carrick Rangers at Taylors Avenue.
Goals from Fraser Bryden and Ross Clarke put Crusaders ahead going into the final five minutes.
Paul Heatley did make it a one-goal game against his former club late on, but Crusaders defended resolutely to secure the three points.
“The last couple of weeks have been tough, and the performances haven’t been where we want them to be but today was night and day,” Caddell told BBC Sport NI.
“It was a complete domination of a football match and we scored two, maybe we should have scored a lot more.
“Everything clicked today. We have been wanting that full performance over 90 minutes and the boys delivered today.”
The north Belfast side have struggled with consistency this season and sit in 11th place in the Premiership.
The result also puts to an end their run of three games without a victory.
“We showed a bit of hunger, that has something that has been missing the last two games,” Caddell continued.
“To come up here, a really difficult place against a very experienced side, who will put you under pressure., they stood up as men today.
