Declan Caddell hails Crusaders star who 'gave an absolute exhibition' in Dungannon Swifts triumph
Crusaders manager Declan Caddell felt Finley Thorndike “gave an absolute exhibition” after starring in their 2-0 Premiership victory over Dungannon Swifts.
Thorndike opened the scoring after only seven minutes, showing cool and composure to slot home, before Fraser Bryden’s 15th league goal of the season sealed maximum points.
Here’s what Caddell had to say after the match:
MUST BE DELIGHTED WITH THAT – ONLY SECOND HOME WIN OF THE SEASON?
"In some of the defeats we've had, we should have won the games.
"It's always on that kind of hare’s breath, fine margins, but I thought today was a really complete performance.
"Very similar to Boxing Day against Cliftonville and I'm delighted for them because we’re short in numbers.
"We started the week with three defenders in the squad. I had to draft Lloyd Anderson in at right-back, who was exceptional today, and we had a really young team.
"I think we've shown at times this season that when we play that way, we can compete with anybody in the league – we've just lacked consistency throughout the season for numerous reasons.
"But I'm delighted for them. Delighted to start the New Year off with a win at home, and most importantly, a clean sheet.”
MUSA DIBAGA WAS IN GREAT FORM?
"Goalkeepers are always needed when you play against Dungannon – they were fourth for a reason.
"They’re a really good football side and they proved it with their Irish Cup win last year. They're always competing at the top-end of the table the last couple of years.
"We knew they'd have opportunities, and you expect your goalkeeper (to be busy). Musa has grown in confidence week upon week.
“He was exceptional again today and he's produced some big saves. The flip side of that is we've probably missed four, five or six of gilt-edged opportunities to push on the lead.
"It was probably a good game for the neutral. We're just delighted to get the three points.”
FINLEY THORNDIKE WAS SUPERB – TOOK HIS GOAL REALLY WELL TOO?
“Finley gave an absolute exhibition.
"Finley shows that every training session. You're looking him to replicate it during games and he has at points.
"He actually starts (the move for his goal) with a great tackle and drives forward...he does that every night when we're in training.
"It's nothing that's shocked us, but he’s grown in confidence too. We've given him a wee bit more game time...he's been really good the last three weeks.”
50TH CRUSADERS GAME FOR JOSH WILLIAMSON TODAY AT 18 – TESTAMENT TO HIM?
"I’m fed up telling the story about Josh and how I chased him for years when he was a kid to get him to the football club!
"He’s another one who grows in confidence week in, week out. He always seems to be getting better.
"When you look at the midfield three up against Bigi (Gael Bigirimana), (Kealan) Dillon and (Tiernan) Kelly, I thought they were exceptional.
"You can go round the whole team – the front three are what they are and give you what they give you. The back four, I thought they were really good.”