Crusaders claimed their inaugural title at SuperCupNI after an impressive win against Belfast rivals Linfield.
The Crues have had to do it the hard way, defeating the likes of Plymouth Argyle and Celtic on their way to the title and coach Graham Sloan was incredibly proud at full time.
“We are the first Crusaders team to win it and the boys have been fantastic. From Monday morning right through today they have put on some fantastic displays. It is amazing for the boys and they have worked so hard all summer and they deserve their success.”
The game got off to a frantic start and the crowd were deceived early on as it looked like Linfield’s Harvey O’ Donnell had opened the scoring as he stole in at the back post and planted a firm header that rustled the side netting, much to the dismay of many in the packed out stands.
Crusaders then pounced on the next opportunity to snatch the lead as a flowing midfield move led to Finn Hegarty being played in on the right and he hit a curling side-foot drive in at the near post that deceived Linfield stopper Kaysan Tijani-Braniff for 1-0.
A feature of the game was the strength and pace of Crusaders striker Michael Mulholland and he showed off his rapid pace to be played through but was just denied by the Linfield ‘keeper. Linfield then hit back in emphatic fashion as Conleth O’ Neill produced an absolute rocket from around 30 yards and there was nothing the Crusaders ‘keeper could do to prevent the ball flashing over his head and into the roof of the net.
The game however would swing in favour of the Crusaders in the second half as Luca Lavery produced a well-placed cross and number 10 Daniel Clarke produced a glancing header into the far corner for 2-1. Linfield then looked to hit back shortly after with a corner kick but it was Crusaders that would capitalise as Mulholland broke clear to run the length of the pitch with a lung bursting run before teeing up Will Davison and the number 7 slammed the ball home for three.
It then could and probably should have been four when substitute Adam Mulholland was played through after a lovely crafted pass from his namesake number 9 but was just denied by Tijani-Braniff who scrambled the ball away. However, it was Crusaders who would lift the famous trophy in front of a packed grandstand.
In other finals in the Minor section, IDA Bermuda were victorious on penalties against Glentoran in the Vase and Loughgall won an Armagh derby with Glenavon in Bushmills to take home the Glove. Meanwhile Surf Select returned to the United States with the Bowl after defeating Stevenage 4-1.