WKD INTERMEDIATE Cup 4th Round

Crusaders Reserves 3 Ards 2

Crusaders Reserves claimed a fantastic win against a very good Ards team to reach the quarter finals of the Intermediate Cup.
Crusaders were out of the blocks quickly and a Cowan effort was deflected wide for a corner. From the resulting set piece Owens had a shot from the edge of the box well held by McDonald in the Ards goal. Crusaders Reserves took the lead after 10 mins when man of the match McCann took a quick free kick to Harris on the left side of the box and his low cross was drilled home by Boylan from 6 yards. Unfortunately Ards equalised within 5 mins when a Pike cross was touched home by Armour with Crusaders Reserves keeper Murphy claiming to be impeded. Crusaders Reserves responded well and Harris, Boylan and Barrett all had efforts just off target. Crusaders Reserves regained the lead when from a Collins pass, Boylan robbed Nixon and Cowan scored with an exquisite lob from a tight angle. Ards tried hard to come back into the game but Owens and Gibson were in magnificient form, with McCann and Harris winning the midfield battle.

Crusaders Reserves continued to dominate in the second half and Barrett released Turner on the left but his shot flew wide when well placed. Crusaders Reserves went further ahead when Barrett found Faulkner on the left and he switched to the right to Collins . Collins turned inside a defender and unleashed an unstoppable left shot into the roof of the net from 25 yards. Faulkner and Barretts pace along with Boylan and Cowans movement were causing all kinds of problems for the Ards defence. Ards pulled a goal back when a long free kick was headed clear to the edge of the box and the Ards No.12 volleyed home from the edge of the box. Murphy was brave diving at a forwards feet when Ards broke clear. Crusaders Reserves dealt with everything Ards had to offer and held on for a remarkable win.

Team: Murphy, Collins, Gibson(c), Owens, Turner, Faulkner, Barrett, McCann, Harris, Boylan, Cowan.

 Subs: Herron, Quinn, Anderson

Spiersy