Shore spot

Crusaders 4-3 Cliftonville

Cliftonville suffered Extra Time elimination from the County Antrim Shield when Crusaders hit back to secure victory on the Shore Road this evening.

Trailing when Paul Heatley capitalised on hesitant defending, the Reds levelled through Rory Donnelly before another error at the back led to the Crues pulling back in front; Michael Carvill netting after Brian Neeson had done superbly to thwart Heatley.

Cliftonville’s response was encouraging, though, and they gradually began to exert greater control over proceedings before being rewarded when Jay Donnelly’s magnificent run and cross was given the finish it deserved by Ryan Curran.

The Reds carried that momentum with them into Extra Time and pulled ahead for the first time when Rory Donnelly was quickest to react after home goalkeeper Sean O’Neill had failed to grasp Joe Gormley’s low drive.

Straight from kick-off, however, Crusaders won a corner which was poorly defended, allowing Philip Lowry to make it 3-3, whiile the hosts won it when Jamie Glackin scrambled the ball over the line after seeing his initial effort come back off the post.

Full report to follow…