Declan Caddell feels 'rollercoaster' Crusaders campaign 'going to be so beneficial' for young squad

The Crues held a one-goal advantage heading into the second-leg in North Belfast after a 3-2 triumph at the BMG Arena, but Annagh went 2-0 up on Friday evening thanks to Philip Donnelly’s penalty and a Lee Upton strike.

Ciaran McGurgan’s side could have been even further ahead – Crusaders goalkeeper Musa Dibaga denied Donnelly from the spot on the stroke of half-time.

With Annagh on the cusp of sealing promotion in their fourth play-off across the past five seasons, Stewart Nixon’s effort sent the tie to extra time.

It went all the way to penalties with Dibaga once again proving to be the hero – James Convie, Craig Taylor and Jude Johnson all missed from the spot for Annagh while Crusaders produced a flawless set to win 3-1.

Caddell was in charge of one of the youngest Premiership squads this term – the Crues didn’t have a player aged over 28 in their starting line-up on Friday night, but have ultimately achieved their ambition of staying in Northern Ireland’s top-flight.

"This season's been a rollercoaster,” Caddell told BBC Sport NI. “Parts we have done well, large parts we haven't done well.

"We're a young team, a really young team. What they've done this season won't go unnoticed.

"The players won't realise it, but to put yourself in that situation, in terms of struggling at the bottom, eventually dropping to the bottom, having to claw your way back up, having to go to a play-off of high pressure.

"That is going to be so beneficial for all of them. Everybody thought we were going.

"Credit to Annagh, they put it up to us.

"For me, that game summarised our whole season in terms of a wee bit of bad luck, not playing for a full 90 minutes, injuries, everything relying on a last gasp, last minute, and credit to Dibaga as well for stepping in and making a difference.

"I'm just relieved to get over the line because it's been a difficult year. Who would be a football manager, eh?"