Larne reach Irish Cup final with controversial shootout win over Crusaders
Last updated 18th May 2021
Larne are through to the 2021 Irish Cup final after a penalty shootout win over Crusaders in the semi-final.
The Belfast club had taken the lead in the opening half through Philip Lowry, with Ronan Hale pulling Larne level after the break.
Crusaders then saw striker Adam Lecky shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge in the 75th minute, and the game went to spot kicks immediately after 90 minutes.
Crues keeper Johnny Tuffey saved three penalties - but was judged to have moved off his line early, and was bizarrely shown two yellow cards and sent off.
Manager Stephen Baxter wanted to take his players off the pitch entirely, but they remained on and BJ Burns went into goal as they were beaten 6-5 in the shootout.
Crusaders opened the scoring at in the 28th minute when a smart free-kick routine saw Ben Kennedy released into space down the left, and his whipped cross was turned in from close range by Lowry.
Early into the second half Crusaders almost went 2-0 up when Ross Clarke drove into the box, cut inside, and then crashed an angled effort off the post. However a change of Larne's shape, adopting wingbacks, saw the game turn in their favour.
A smart move down the left on 57 minutes released Hale on the edge of the box, and the striker drew Larne level when he smashed a low shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
Larne then had 2 great chances in quick succession as McMurray and then Hale were played clear through on goal, but neither striker could find a way past Jonny Tuffey, his saves keeping Crusaders in the tie. With 70 minutes on the clock, Larne's McMurray had a header cleared off the line as they continued to push for a second goal to kill the game.
Crusaders were then reduced to ten men as Adam Lecky was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Larne's Sule. Larne piled on the pressure, but couldn't find a way through as Crusaders forced the game to go to penalties, where Tiernan Lynch's men proved successful.