Giant goalkeeper Yohann Lacroix emerged the hero in a dramatic penalty shootout to book Crusaders a spot in the semi final of the Irish Cup on Tuesday night.
The big Frenchman saved Lisburn Distillery’s first two spot kicks, from Scott Davidson and Ryan McCann which proved crucial as Stephen Baxter’s boys set up a North Belfast showdown against Cliftonville at the Oval on April 6.
Chris Morrow, Davy Rainey, Craig McClean and Josh Robinson, who hit the clincher, were successful from the spot for Crusades, with Timmy Adamson blasting recklessly over the crossbar, while Johnny Harkness, Michael Halliday and Philip Simpson were on target for the Whites.
Big striker Jordan Owens shot the Crues into the lead early in the second half off normal time, but substitute Mikey Withers, who was only on the pitch a mere six minutes, plundered a shock equaliser to send the game into extra time.
Scott Davidson’s penetrating run on the right for once exposed the Crusaders defence and substitute Withers poked home the cross from six yards - his first senior goal.
The Whites then almost won it in normal time when substitute Aaron Traynor sent Scott Davidson through the middle and, after outpacing Davy Magowan, the midfielder shamefully blasted over the top.
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