Crusaders manager Declan Caddell has hailed his squad's resilience after they secured their Irish Premiership status with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Annagh United in the relegation play-off.
It was a tense affair at Seaview, with the aggregate score level after extra time. Annagh pushed the Crues all the way, taking the lead early in the second leg before Stewart Nixon's 71st-minute equaliser sent the match to penalties. Goalkeeper Musa Dibaga proved the hero, saving two spot-kicks to seal survival.
"Credit to Annagh, they put it up to us," Caddell told BBC Sport NI. "That game summarised our whole season: bad luck, not playing for a full 90 minutes, injuries, relying on a last-gasp moment. I'm just relieved to get over the line."
The north Belfast side, accustomed to top-six finishes and European qualification, found themselves in a relegation battle after a difficult campaign. A strong post-split run saw them clinch 11th place and a play-off spot, which they ultimately converted into survival.
"This season's been a rollercoaster," Caddell added. "Parts we did well, large parts we didn't. But we're a young team and what they've done won't go unnoticed. Going through this pressure will be so beneficial for them. Everybody thought we were going."