Irish Premiership: Cadell credits players after ‘rollercoaster’ season

“Who would be a football manager, right?

It’s been quite a season for Declan Cadell as Crusaders manager, who secured North Belfast’s Premiership status for next season after a penalty shootout win over Annagh United.

The Crews were one goal ahead after the first leg, but Philip Donnelly’s penalty leveled the aggregate after just five minutes before Lee Upton put Anagh ahead.

Stuart Nixon equalized in the 71st minute and sent the game into extra time, but neither team found the net.

During the penalty shootout, Musa Dibaga saved two penalties as Crews sealed their survival and avoided their second relegation in the club’s history.

“Credit to Anagh, they put it in our hands,” Cadell told BBC Sport NI.

“For me, that game summed up our whole season in terms of a bit of bad luck, not playing the full 90 minutes, injuries, everything was down to the last gasp, the last minute and credit goes to Dibaga for stepping up and making a difference.

“I’m just relieved to get over the line because it’s been a tough year. Who would be a football manager, right?”