Crusaders looked lively at the start but Luke Elliott denied them with two top class saves after sloppy play from Carniny. Strong tackling from Luis White, saw him win the ball at the half way line and sprint clear to score against the run of play from 15 yards after 10mins. Adam Douglas pulled a hamstring after a strong run forward and had to be replaced. A Crues corner was desperately defended and only a brave save from Elliott averted the danger. The game was paused for several minutes while he received treatment. Crusaders took advantage of the re-organisation and danced through the defence allowing the Crues number 9 to stroke home from 6 yards out. Just before half time a Crues corner wasn’t cleared and was sliced in by an unfortunate Carniny defender. From the kick off Carniny rushed forward and a Matthew Millar cross was squared by Joel Murray and Tom Wylie fired home from the edge of the box for the equaliser.
Into the second half and a Carniny corner was cleared off the line allowing Crues to attack. Despite the defender winning the initial ball, Crues attacker stole it and chipped the advancing Elliott for 2-3. Carniny struck straight back and after a good 1-2 from T. Wylie to Joel Murray the cross came in and Anthony Greer volleyed in to equalise. Great wing play from White and Murray created chances. The best falling to McKee but he struggled to convert the opportunity. With time running out, Ashton Thompson flicked the ball over his markers head and progressed. His intelligent through ball allowed Greer to burst forward and outpace the defence. His first shot was blocked but he scored the rebound for 4-3.
End to end stuff from both teams and all players should take credit for a great game played in a good spirit. Carniny know they need to continue this momentum to climb the league.
Panel – Elliott, Scullion, Hayburn, Douglas, Murray, Millar, T. Wylie, I. Wylie, Greer, White, Calvert, Thompson, Ross, McKee