Crues in hat for place in League Cup semis after Bannsiders first defeat
Caddell strike seals it for Baxter's men in the Bet McLean
It was an incredible night of cup drama at Seaview with five goals and some stunning performances. Downtown & Cool FM reporter AARON O’NEILL was there for us
Crusaders progress to the last eight of the Bet McLean.com League Cup after Tuesday night’s 3-2 victory over Coleraine at Seaview.
A brace from Jordan Forsythe and a late Declan Caddell strike secured a quarter-final place for Stephen Baxter’s side.
It was the home side who started the brightest immediately putting the Bannsiders on the back foot. The deadly duo of Gavin Whyte and Paul Heatley threatened early in the game but failed to give their side the advantage.
Coleraine took the lead in controversial circumstances when defender Gareth McConaghie put the visitors ahead after 9 minutes. The central defender looked to have steered the ball into the back of the net with his hand but referee Raymond Crangle awarded the goal - much to the dismay of Crusaders goalkeeper Brian Jensen.
Jordan Forsythe looked to have levelled proceedings midway through the first-half. A neat chip to the back post from Heatley fell into the path of the advancing Forsythe but his powerful strike was cleared off the line.
The Crusaders pressure continued throughout the first-half as Owens, Heatley and Whyte all attempted to bring the scores level. The Bannsiders weathered the storm and held a 1 goal advantage at the break.
On 47 minutes Crusaders equalised via Jordan Forsythe. The midfielder dispatched a superb header into the back of the net. Forsythe was on hand again to give his side the lead on the hour mark. A clever breakaway by Caddell released Forsythe who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.
Jamie McGonigle levelled for the visitors. A fine solo effort left the Crusaders defence stunned as the young forward cruised his way down the wing before bringing the ball inside the area and firing past Jensen.
As extra-time loomed for both sides, up popped Declan Caddell to score the decisive goal of the game. The midfielder capitalised on a rare defensive mistake from the Bannsiders to book Crusaders’ place in the quarter-final of the cup.
CRUSADERS FC: Jensen, Burns, McChrystal, Beverland, McClean, Forsythe, Caddell (‘83, Lowry) Snoddy, Heatley, Whyte, Owens
UNUSED SUBS: Ward, Carvill, Dougherty, Kerr
COLERAINE FC: Johns, Harkin, Douglas, McCauley (‘88, Ogilby) Kee, McConaghie, Parkhill, Traynor, McGonigle, Whiteside, McCready (‘80, Wilson)
UNUSED SUBS: Mullan, Kirk, Doherty, Kir