Irish Cup QF: Crusaders 3-0 Ballymena

Crusaders scored all 3 goals in an eight minute spell of the first half to power past Ballymena United and book their place in the Irish Cup semi-finals.

An audacious piece of skill by David Cushley created the opening goal in the 21st minute.

He collected a throw inside the Ballymena box, held off a defender, and then backheeled the ball across the 6 yard line. It was met by an unmarked Jordan Forsythe to tap into an empty net at the back post, and open the floodgates.

By the 24th minute, the Crues were 2-0 ahead with Cushley again the creator, this time stealing possession inside the United half before deftly chipping the ball into the path of Jordan Owens, who flicked it into the corner of the net with the outside of his boot.

5 minutes later, Crusaders put the game to bed when Billy Joe Burns’ overhit cross from 10 yards inside the Ballymena half sailed into the top corner of the net to make it 3-0.

Early in the second half Cushley almost volleyed number four for the home side, before Friel wasted Ballymena’s best chance when played clear through on goal.

That was as good as it got for the visitors, and it was the Belfast side who deservedly sealed a spot in the final 4.