CO ANTRIM SHIELD: David Cushley signs off in perfect style

Cushley will move to Crusaders in the summer after agreeing a pre-contract with the Premiership champions.

It was Ballymena’s last chance of silverware success this season, and they delivered with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Linfield at Windsor Park.

Cushley bagged the second goal to help earn the win, and a second Shield triumph in just over three years.

“I thought right to the end we kept battling and deserved the win,” said Cushley - who scored in every round of this season’s Shield.

“We defended with our lives, but that’s what cup finals are about.

“Linfield came at us at the end and hit the woodwork twice in injury time - it was a great cup final.

“We came here on Saturday in the Irish Cup and could have won it. We knew there was nothing to fear and we proved it tonight.”

Cushley insists his full focus is on Ballymena despite signing a deal with Crusaders.

“I am still contracted with Ballymena, so it doesn’t matter about anything else. I am still going to give it everything for Ballymena,” he added.

“I got the contract thing out of the way and knuckled down. I am playing every game to prove that I am committed to the club, and it is paying off.

“I have scored in every round of the Shield this year and to get one tonight is a great achievement. That’s four finals in three years and two Shield wins. That’s a great achievement, especially considering where we are in the league table.

“We will enjoy tonight and then try and rectify our league position.”

Ballymena boss Glenn Ferguson also hailed the Cushley following last night’s victory.

“I know David Cushley, and I have known him a good part of seven years,” the Sky Blues chief said.

“When he made his decision (to sign for Crusaders) I wished him luck, but I knew I had a few more months of him at this club.

“He said he would give us everything, and I trust him. He gives me everything, and he is a match-winner. He scored down at Larne in the semi-final, and he has scored four in his last five games. Why would I leave him out?

“He is moving on, but so what? He gives me everything so I will play him.”

Reflecting on the 3-2 win, Ferguson added: “I am delighted. When you get to a final, you want to lift the trophy. And we have done that.

“We played some great football and we showed great character and spirit. Mentally the players responded to any setbacks and scored three good goals.

“I am delighted for all the players.”